Main Entry: ²guard

Function: verb

Date: 1500

transitive verb

1 : to protect an edge of with an ornamental border
2 a : to protect from danger especially by watchful attention : make secure <police guarding our cities> b : to stand at the entrance of as if on guard or as a barrier c : to tend to carefully : preserve, protect <guarded their privacy>
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 scoringintransitive verb : to watch by way of caution or defense : stand guard

synonyms see defend

— guard·er noun