guard
person who protects
A person who watches and keeps people or things safe.
a [security/prison] guard
- The museum guard asked us not to touch the exhibits.
- A guard stood at the entrance to check IDs.
- The prison guard escorted the inmate back to his cell.
- The guard is at the door.
- A guard works at the bank.
- I see a guard in the park.
protect from harm or danger
To watch and keep someone or something safe.
to guard [something/someone] from [danger/threat]
- Soldiers guarded the border day and night.
- You should guard your personal information online.
- A dog was trained to guard the house.
- The dog guards the farm.
- He guards the door at night.
- We guard our money.
protective device or cover
Something that covers and protects part of your body or an object.
a [machine/body] guard
- Always wear a mouth guard when playing hockey.
- The machine has a safety guard to prevent accidents.
- He installed a rail guard for the stairs.
- I wear a mouth guard for sport.
- The fan has a guard on it.
- The stairs have a guard.
control access to something
To watch and stop people from coming in or out without permission.
to guard [a place/person] against [intruders/visitors]
- Police guarded the crime scene until investigators arrived.
- They guarded the celebrity from fans and photographers.
- The gate was guarded at all times.
- Two men guard the door.
- They guard the king.
- He guards the gate.
defensive sports position
A player in sports who tries to stop the other team and may start attacks.
- She plays as a point guard on her basketball team.
- The shooting guard scored 20 points in the game.
- He was drafted as an offensive guard in football.
- He is a point guard.
- She is a guard in basketball.
- The guard passed the ball.
- Base: guard
- Plural: guard, guards
- Base: guard
- 3rd Person Singular: guards
- Present Participle: guarding
- Past: guarded
drop your guard
1stop protecting yourself too soon/carelessly
To stop being careful about danger before it is safe to do so.
- He dropped his guard and got caught off balance.
- Don't drop your guard until we are sure it's safe.
guard against
1take action to prevent harm
To be careful so that something bad does not happen.
- We must guard against complacency.
- You should guard against mistakes by double-checking your work.
let your guard down
1stop being careful or alert
To relax and not be careful about danger or problems anymore.
- She never lets her guard down when dealing with strangers.
- I let my guard down and got tricked.
on guard
1being watchful for danger
Ready and watching for possible problems or danger.
- The soldiers were on guard all night.
- You must always be on guard against scams.
stand guard
1stay in place to protect
To stay in one place to protect someone or something.
- Two police officers stood guard outside the building.
- He stood guard at the gate all night.