1
: one assigned to protect or oversee another: such as
a
: a person or a body of persons on sentinel duty
Guards were posted around the camp.
b
guards plural
: troops attached to the person of the sovereign
c
British
: conductor sense b
2
a
: a defensive state or attitude
asked him out when his guard was down
b
: a defensive position (as in boxing)
3
a
: the act or duty of protecting or defending
b
: the state of being protected : protection
4
: a protective or safety device
specifically
: a device for protecting a machine part or the operator of a machine
5
archaic
: precaution
6
a
: a position or player next to the center in a football line
b
: a player stationed in the backcourt in basketball
guarded; guarding; guards
1
: to protect an edge of with an ornamental border
2
3
archaic
: escort
4
a
: to watch over so as to prevent escape, disclosure, or indiscretion
guarded the prisoners.
b
: to attempt to prevent (an opponent) from playing effectively or scoring
: to watch by way of caution or defense : stand guard
guard against mistakes
guarder
noun
Synonyms
Examples of guard in a Sentence
Noun
There were dozens of police officers standing guard along the parade route.
Tourists gather every day to watch the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace.
The guard must be in place before operating the meat slicer.
Verb
Two policemen were assigned to guard the prisoner.
A tank guarded the bridge from enemy attack.
A police officer was stationed outside to guard the door.
They jealously guard their secrets.
Her whereabouts are a tightly guarded secret.
Recent Examples on the Web
Rob Maaddi, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025
Before Luka Doncic was traded to the Lakers last weekend, the Mavericks never called the Heat to inform them that the All-NBA guard was available or give Miami a chance to make an offer for him, according to a source.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 9 Feb. 2025
Luke Garrett, NPR, 9 Feb. 2025
From pulling carts, guarding homes and protecting homes, they are described as dog-kind punch-the-clock, blue-collar workers.
—Ryan Canfield, Fox News, 7 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for guard 
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show current usage.
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Noun
All-Pro left guard Joe Thuney and All-Pro center Creed Humphrey anchor the offensive line along with right guard Trey Smith.
—Rob Maaddi, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025
Before Luka Doncic was traded to the Lakers last weekend, the Mavericks never called the Heat to inform them that the All-NBA guard was available or give Miami a chance to make an offer for him, according to a source.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 9 Feb. 2025
Verb
Last week, Trump threatened stiff tariffs on Mexico and Canada, but delayed them for 30 days after both countries promised to send 10,000 troops to guard their U.S. borders.
—Luke Garrett, NPR, 9 Feb. 2025
From pulling carts, guarding homes and protecting homes, they are described as dog-kind punch-the-clock, blue-collar workers.
—Ryan Canfield, Fox News, 7 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for guard
Dictionary Entries Near guard
Cite this Entry
“Guard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guard. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
guard
1 of 2 noun1
: an attitude or state of defense
asked dad for money when his guard was down
2
: the act or duty of protecting or defending
3
a
: a person who guards or a group of persons who guard
b
plural
: a body of troops whose duties include guarding a head of state
4
a
: a football player who lines up next to the center
b
: either of two players stationed usually away from the basket in basketball
5
: a protective or safety device (as on a machine)
guard
2 of 2 verb1
: to protect from danger : defend
2
: to watch over so as to restrict, control, or check
guard a prisoner
a closely guarded secret
guard one's tongue
3
: to try to keep (an opponent) from scoring
4
: to be on guard : take precautions
guard against infection
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