Main Entry:

²guard

Function:

verb

Date:

1500

transitive verb

1: to protect an edge of with an ornamental border2 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>3archaic : escort4 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