guard

1 a person or group that watches over someone or something checked in with the security guard at the gate Synonyms custodian, guardian, keeper, lookout, minder, picket, sentinel, sentry, warden, warder, watch, watcher, watchman Related Words observer, patrol, spotter, surveillant, watchdog; bodyguard, convoy, defender, escort, honor 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 defensiveRelated Words alert, lookout, qui vive, watchAntonyms offensive

3 a protective device (as on a weapon) to prevent accidental operation slid the guard into place over the chainsaw chain Synonyms safetyRelated Words fail-safe; lock; defense, protection, safeguard, shield

4 means or method of defending the boxer's sparring partner managed to get a blow in under his left guard Synonyms aegis (also egis), ammunition, armor, buckler, cover, defense, protection, safeguard, screen, security, shield, wall, wardRelated Words arm, armament, munitions, weapon, weaponry; fastness, fort, fortress, palisade, strongholdNear Antonyms aggression, assault, attack, offense (or offence), offensive

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 attendant, companion, escort, guideRelated Words chaperone (or chaperon), squire; shadow, sidekick; conductor, leader, pilot; convoy, courier, honor guard, outrider

6 someone that protects a battalion of burly guards surrounding the celebrity Synonyms custodian, defender, protector, guardian, guardian angel, protectionRelated Words bodyguard, champion; lookout, sentinel, sentry, warden, warder, watch, watchdog, watchman; conserver, harborer, keeper, preserver, saver