1. Watch over or shield from danger or harm; protect
   "guard my possessions while I'm away";
   - ward
    
2. To keep watch over
   "there would be men guarding the horses"
    
3. Protect against a challenge or attack
   "guard that position behind the trees!";
   - defend, hold
    
4. Take precautions in order to avoid some unwanted consequence
   "guard against becoming too friendly with the staff"; "guard against infection"

1. A person who keeps watch over something or someone
   "The museum guard kept a watchful eye on the valuable exhibits"
    
2. A military unit serving to protect some place or person
   "The palace guard stood at attention"
    
3. A precautionary measure warding off impending danger, damage or injury etc.
   "we let our guard down";
   - precaution, safeguard
    
4. A device designed to prevent injury or accidents
   "The machine was equipped with multiple guard devices to protect workers";
   - safety, safety device
    
5. The duty of serving as a sentry
   "he was on guard that night";
   - guard duty, sentry duty, sentry go
    
6. A soldier who is a member of a unit called 'the guard' or 'guards'
   "The royal guard stood at attention outside the palace"
    
7. A posture of defence in boxing or fencing
   "keep your guard up"
    
8. The person who plays the position of guard on a basketball team
   "The quick guard dribbled past the defenders and scored a layup"
    
9. A position on a basketball team
   "The point guard directed the team's offence"
    
10. The person who lines up between the centre and the tackles on the offensive line of a football team on the line of scrimmage
    "the left guard was injured on the play"
     
11. (American football) a position on the line of scrimmage between the centre and the tackles
    "guards must be good blockers"

Derived forms: guarding, guards, guarded

Type of: act, assignment, attitude, basketball player, basketeer, cager, defender, device, duty assignment, follow, force, guardian, hoopster [N. Amer, informal], keep an eye on, lineman, measure, military force, military group, military unit, move, observe, pongo [Brit, informal], position, posture, protect, protector, shielder, soldier, step, watch, watch over

Part of: basketball team, eleven, five, football team, home reserve, National Guard

Encyclopedia: Guard, John