1a person who keeps watch, especially a soldier or other person assigned to protect a person or to control access to a place:a security guard [as modifier]:soldiers on guard duty
[treated as singular or plural] a body of soldiers serving to protect a place or person:he’s the captain of the palace guard
(Guards) the household troops of the British army.
Irish a member of the Irish police force; a Garda:There’s bends all the way from Portlaoise to Carlow. The responsibility for speeding traffic rests with the guards
North American a prison warder.
2a device worn or fitted to prevent injury or damage:a retractable blade guard
3 [in singular] a defensive posture that is adopted in a boxing or martial arts contest or in a fight:before Seb could raise his guard Boz swung a wild punch
a state of vigilance or preparedness against adverse circumstances:he let his guard slip enough to make some unwise comments
4British an official who rides on and is in general charge of a train.
5 American Football each of two players either side of the centre.
Basketball each of two players chiefly responsible for marking opposing players.
ზმნა
Universal
1watch over in order to protect or control:two men were left to guard the stockadethe gates were guarded by soldiers
watch over (someone) to prevent them from escaping:his task was to help guard Japanese prisoners
Basketball stay close to (an opponent) in order to prevent them getting or passing the ball:when a player is so closely guarded he cannot pass the ball
2protect against damage or harm:the company fiercely guarded its independence
[no object] (guard against) take precautions against:farmers must guard against sudden changes in the market
guard of honour
a group of soldiers detailed to ceremonially welcome an important visitor.
keep (or stand) guard
act as a guard:armed men stood guard over makeshift roadblocks
off guard
unprepared for a surprise or difficulty:the government was caught off guard by the unexpected announcement
on guard
on duty to protect or defend something:security staff are permanently on guard
(also on one's guard) prepared for any contingency:wine producers are constantly on guard against cheap imitations
take guard
Cricket (of a batsman) stand in position ready to receive the ball, especially having asked the umpire to check the position of one’s bat with respect to the stumps.
under guard
being guarded:he was held in an empty stable under guard
