guard

Guard is defined as to keep safe, protect or cover.

(verb)

The definition of a guard is a person or device that protects.

(noun)

See guard in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb

to keep safe from harm; watch over and protect; defend; shield
to watch over; specif.,
1. to keep from escape or trouble
2. to hold in check; control; restrain
3. Sports to keep (an opponent) from making a gain or scoring; also, to cover (a goal or area) in defensive play
4. to supervise entrances and exits through (a door, gate, etc.)
to cover (a piece of machinery) with a device to protect the operator
Archaic to escort

Origin: LME garde < the n.

intransitive verb

noun

the act or duty of guarding; careful watch; wariness; defense; protection
1. a posture of alert readiness for defense, as in boxing, fencing, etc.
2. the arms or weapon in such a posture
any device that protects against injury or loss; specif.,
1. the part of the handle of a sword, knife, or fork that protects the hand
2. a chain or cord attached to a watch, bracelet, etc. to protect against loss
3. a ring worn to keep a more valuable ring from slipping off the finger
4. a safety device, as in machinery
5. an article worn to protect a part of the body, as in a sport: a catcher's shin guards
a person or group that guards; specif.,
1. a sentinel or sentry
2. a railway brakeman or gatekeeper
3. Brit. a railroad conductor
4. a person who guards prisoners
5. a special unit of troops assigned to the British royal household
6. a military unit with a special ceremonial function: a color guard
☆ Basketball either of two players who are the main ball handlers and offensive leaders positioned at the rear of the court on offense
see point guard
☆ Football either of two players on offense at the left and the right of the center whose purpose is blocking
see also nose guard

Origin: ME garde < OFr garder, to protect < Gmc *wardon (> Ger warten, to wait) < IE base *wer-, to heed > ware, L vereri, to fear

Related Forms:

See guard in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb guard·ed, guard·ing, guards

verb, transitive

To protect from harm by or as if by watching over: guard a bank; guarding the President. See Synonyms at defend.
To watch over so as to prevent escape or violence: guarded the prisoner.
Sports To keep (an opposing player) from scoring or playing efficiently.
To maintain control over, as to prevent indiscretion: Guard what you say.
To supervise entry or exit through; keep watch at: guarded the door.
To furnish (a device or object) with a protective piece.
Archaic To escort.

verb, intransitive

noun

One who protects, keeps watch, or acts as a sentinel.
One who supervises prisoners.
An honor guard.
Chiefly British A railway employee in charge of a train.
Football One of the two offensive linemen on either side of the center.
Basketball Either of the two players normally positioned in the backcourt who are responsible for bringing the ball to and initiating offensive plays from the frontcourt.
Sports A defensive position or stance, as in boxing or fencing.
a. The act or duty of guarding.
b. Protection; watch: a prisoner under close guard.
Something that gives protection; a safeguard: a guard against tooth decay.
A device or an attachment that prevents injury, damage, or loss, especially:
a. An attachment or a covering put on a machine to protect the operator or a part of the machine.
b. A device on a foil, sword, or knife that protects the hand.
c. A padded covering worn to protect a body part from injury: a shin guard.
d. A small chain or band attached to a watch or bracelet to prevent loss.
e. A ring worn to prevent a more valuable ring from sliding off the finger.
Electronics A signal that prevents accidental activation of a device or ambiguous interpretation of data.