guard
A person who, or thing that, protects or watches over something.
Noun 4 meanings
A person who, or thing that, protects or watches over something.
“The prison guard unlocked the door of the cell. After completing the repairs, he replaced the sump guard.”
A garda; a police officer.
A squad responsible for protecting something.
“The president inspected the guard of honour.”
The part of a sword that protects the wielder's hand.
“Holonym: hilt”
Verb 4 meanings
To protect from danger; to secure against surprise, attack, or injury; to keep in safety; to defend.
“All of the mountain passes are guarded by troops.”
To keep watch over, in order to prevent escape or restrain from acts of violence, or the like.
“Guard the prisoner.”
To watch by way of caution or defense; to be cautious; to be in a state or position of defense or safety.
“Careful people guard against mistakes.”
To protect the edge of, especially with an ornamental border; hence, to face or ornament with lists, laces, etc.
Etymology
From early Middle French garder or late Old French (circa 14th cent) guarder (“to keep, ward, guard, save, preserve, etc.”), from Early Medieval Latin wardo, from Frankish *wardēn, from Proto-Germanic *wardāną (“to guard, protect”).
Similar and opposite words
GUARD at a glance
GUARD has 5 letters and scores 7 points in Scrabble (G 2 + U 1 + A 1 + R 1 + D 2) and 9 in Words With Friends, before board bonuses. It ranks #1,852 by how often it appears in everyday English. It is valid in ENABLE, NWL2023, Collins/SOWPODS.
Rhymes with guard
All rhymesOne letter away
- GUARS6
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