guard

²guard

verb

Definition of GUARD

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 scoring

intransitive verb

: to watch by way of caution or defense : stand guard

— guard·er noun

Examples of GUARD

1. Two policemen were assigned to guard the prisoner.
2. A tank guarded the bridge from enemy attack.
3. A police officer was stationed outside to guard the door.
4. They jealously guard their secrets.
5. Her whereabouts are a tightly guarded secret.

First Known Use of GUARD

1500

Related to GUARD

Synonyms: bulwark, cover, fence, fend, forfend, defend, keep, protect, safeguard, screen, secure, shield, ward

Antonyms: assail, assault, attack

Related Words: avert, prevent; oppose, resist, withstand; battle, contend, fight, war; conserve, preserve, save; buffer, palisade, picket, wall

Near Antonyms: bombard, storm; beset, besiege, overrun; capitulate, cave, submit, yield

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at defend