First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1guard
noun \ˈgärd\
: a state in which someone is carefully looking for possible danger, threats, problems, etc.
: a person whose job or duty is to watch and protect someone or something
: a group of people (such as soldiers) who protect a person or place
Full Definition of GUARD
1
: one assigned to protect or oversee another: as a : a person or a body of persons on sentinel duty b plural : troops attached to the person of the sovereign c British : conductor b
2
a : a defensive state or attitude <asked him out when his guard was down> b : a defensive position (as in boxing)
3
a : the act or duty of protecting or defending b : the state of being protected : protection
4
: a protective or safety device; specifically : a device for protecting a machine part or the operator of a machine
5
archaic : precaution
6
a : a position or player next to the center in a football line b : a player stationed in the backcourt in basketball
— off guard
: in an unprepared or unsuspecting state
— on guard
: defensively watchful : alert
See guard defined for English-language learners
See guard defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of GUARD
Middle English garde, from Anglo-French garde, guarde, warde, from garder, guarder, warder, to guard, defend, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German wartēn to watch, take care — more at ward
Related to GUARD
2guard
verb
: to watch (someone) in order to prevent escape
: to protect (someone or something) from danger or attack
: to be careful about not telling or talking about (something, such as a secret)
Full Definition of GUARD
transitive verb
1
: to protect an edge of with an ornamental border
2
3
archaic : escort
4
a : to watch over so as to prevent escape, disclosure, or indiscretion b : to attempt to prevent (an opponent) from playing effectively or scoring
intransitive verb
: to watch by way of caution or defense : stand guard
— guard·er noun
See guard defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of GUARD
1500
Related to GUARD
Synonym Discussion of GUARD
defend, protect, shield, guard, safeguard mean to keep secure from danger or against attack. defend denotes warding off actual or threatened attack <defend the country>. protect implies the use of something (as a covering) as a bar to the admission or impact of what may attack or injure <a hard hat to protect your head>. shield suggests protective intervention in imminent danger or actual attack <shielded her eyes from the sun with her hand>. guard implies protecting with vigilance and force against expected danger <White House entrances are well guarded>. safeguard implies taking precautionary protective measures against merely possible danger <our civil liberties must be safeguarded>.
GUARD[1] Defined for Kids
1guard
noun \ˈgärd\
Definition of GUARD for Kids
1
: a person or a body of persons that guards against injury or danger <the palace guard>
2
: the act or duty of keeping watch <An officer stood guard outside.>
3
: a device giving protection <a mouth guard>
2guard
verb
guard·edguard·ing
Definition of GUARD for Kids
1
: to protect from danger : defend
2
: to watch over so as to prevent escape <guard a prisoner>
3
: to keep careful watch for in order to prevent <I try to guard against mistakes.>
Learn More About GUARD
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up guard? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).