Word: Guard

Pronunciation

/ɡɑːrd/

Definitions

Noun (n)

1. A person who watches over a place or person to protect them from danger, harm, or unauthorized access. Example: “The security guard stood watch at the entrance.”
2. A person who serves in a military unit responsible for protecting something or someone, especially a soldier in charge of a prison. Example: “The guards marched along the palace walls.”
3. A device or structure that prevents passage or protects against damage. Example: “A guard rail on the side of the highway to prevent cars from going off the road.”
4. In sports, a defensive player whose role is to block or impede the progress of an opposing player. Example: “The point guard directed the team’s offense.”

Verb (v)

1. To keep watch over someone or something to prevent harm, theft, or escape. Example: “She guarded her purse carefully while walking through the busy street.”
2. To shield or protect (something) by placing something between it and potential harm. Example: “The goalkeeper guarded the goalposts with his life.”
3. To play defense in a sport, particularly basketball or football. Example: “He guarded the striker tightly throughout the match.”

Phrases

• “On guard”: Ready to defend oneself or be alert, typically in fencing or martial arts contexts.
• “Guard duty”: The task of guarding or patrolling a location for security purposes.
• “To take someone under one’s wing/guard”: To protect someone and guide them through a new situation.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “The night guard made his rounds around the museum.”
• Verb: “The mother dog stayed awake to guard her sleeping puppies.”

Synonyms

• Protector
• Watcher
• Defender
• Sentry
• Custodian
• Defender (for verb usage)
• Safeguard
• Shield
• Monitor (in certain contexts)