Text: 1 a person or group that watches over someone or something<checked in with the security guard at the gate>Synonymscustodian, guardian, keeper, lookout, picket, sentinel, sentry, warden, warder, watch, watchmanRelated Wordsobserver, patrol, spotter, watchdog; bodyguard, convoy, defender, escort, honor guard 2 a position or readiness to oppose actual or expected attack<be on your guard against snakes in the swamp>— see defensive 3 a protective device (as on a weapon) to prevent accidental operation<slid the guard into place over the chainsaw chain>— see safety 2 4 means or method of defending<the boxerʼs sparring partner managed to get a blow in under his left guard>— see defense 1 5 one that accompanies another for protection, guidance, or as a courtesy<the honor guards raised their sabers as the happy couple descended the church steps>— see escort 6 someone that protects<a battalion of burly guards surrounding the celebrity>— see protector

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