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guard

Q: How is the word 'guard' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of guard are defend , protect , safeguard , and shield . While all these words mean "to keep secure from danger or against attack," guard implies protecting with vigilance and force against expected danger. // White House entrances are well guarded

Q: In what contexts can 'defend' take the place of 'guard'?

The words defend and guard are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, defend denotes warding off actual or threatened attack. // defend the country

Q: When can 'protect' be used instead of 'guard'?

While the synonyms protect and guard are close in meaning, protect implies the use of something (such as a covering) as a bar to the admission or impact of what may attack or injure. // a hard hat to protect your head

Q: Where would 'safeguard' be a reasonable alternative to 'guard'?

In some situations, the words safeguard and guard are roughly equivalent. However, safeguard implies taking precautionary protective measures against merely possible danger. // our civil liberties must be safeguarded

Q: When is 'shield' a more appropriate choice than 'guard'?

The words shield and guard can be used in similar contexts, but shield suggests protective intervention in imminent danger or actual attack. // shielded her eyes from the sun with her hand

noun

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Synonyms & Antonyms of guard

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 a person or group that watches over someone or something

checked in with the security guard at the gate

Synonyms for guard

Words Related to guard

gatekeeper

hack
[slang]

2 a position of readiness to oppose actual or expected attack

be on your guard against snakes in the swamp

Synonyms for guard

defensive

Words Related to guard

Antonyms for guard

offensive

3 a protective device (as on a weapon) to prevent accidental operation

slid the guard into place over the chainsaw chain

Synonyms for guard

safety

Words Related to guard

fail-safe

lock

4 means or method of defending

the boxer's sparring partner managed to get a blow in under his left guard

Synonyms for guard

Words Related to guard

Near Antonyms for guard

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

Synonyms for guard

Words Related to guard

shadow,
sidekick

6 someone that protects

a battalion of burly guards surrounding the celebrity

Synonyms for guard

Words Related to guard

bodyguard,
champion

guard

verb

Synonyms & Antonyms of guard (Entry 2 of 2)

1 to drive danger or attack away from

guard the quarterback so he doesn't get sacked

Synonyms for guard

Words Related to guard

avert,
prevent

Phrases Synonymous with guard

stand up for

Near Antonyms for guard

bombard,
storm

Antonyms for guard

2 to disallow entry into (a place) by means of a physical barrier at the entry point

a fire-breathing dragon guarded the entrance to the castle

Synonyms for guard

Words Related to guard

bolt,
lock

obstruct

Near Antonyms for guard

Antonyms for guard

open,
unbar

Frequently Asked Questions About guard

How is the word guard different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of guard are defend, protect, safeguard, and shield. While all these words mean "to keep secure from danger or against attack," guard implies protecting with vigilance and force against expected danger.

White House entrances are well guarded

In what contexts can defend take the place of guard?

The words defend and guard are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, defend denotes warding off actual or threatened attack.

defend the country

When can protect be used instead of guard?

While the synonyms protect and guard are close in meaning, protect implies the use of something (such as a covering) as a bar to the admission or impact of what may attack or injure.

a hard hat to protect your head

Where would safeguard be a reasonable alternative to guard?

In some situations, the words safeguard and guard are roughly equivalent. However, safeguard implies taking precautionary protective measures against merely possible danger.

our civil liberties must be safeguarded