guard meaning and definition

GUARD noun

Definition of guard (noun)

1. a person who keeps watch over something or someone
2. the person who plays that position on a football team
   • "the left guard was injured on the play"
3. a device designed to prevent injury or accidents
   • synonyms: safety, safety device
4. a posture of defence in boxing or fencing
   • "keep your guard up"
5. the person who plays the position of guard on a basketball team
6. a military unit serving to protect some place or person
7. a precautionary measure warding off impending danger or damage or injury etc.
   • "he put an ice pack on the injury as a precaution"; "an insurance policy is a good safeguard"; "we let our guard down"
   • synonyms: precaution, safeguard
8. the duty of serving as a sentry
   • "he was on guard that night"
   • synonyms: guard duty, sentry duty, sentry go
9. (American football) a position on the line of scrimmage
   • "guards must be good blockers"
10. a position on a basketball team

GUARD verb

Definition of guard (verb)

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