guard
guard
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "guard" is /ɡɑːrd/.
guard: /ɡɑːrd/
Word Form Variations
Noun: guard (singular), guards (plural)
Verb: guard (base form), guards (third person singular present), guarded (past tense, past participle), guarding (present participle)
Adjective: guarded (as in "guarded response"), guardless
Adverb: guardedly
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Guard
A person who protects a place or people, often as an official duty.
Synonyms: sentry, sentinel, watchman, protector, custodian, security officer
Antonyms: attacker, intruder, assailant, threat
A device or part designed to protect something or prevent injury.
Synonyms: shield, screen, barrier, protector, cover, fender
Antonyms: opening, exposure, hazard, vulnerability
(Sports) A player whose position involves defending or protecting a particular area or player.
Synonyms: defender, escort, protector
Antonyms: attacker, forward, offense
A state of careful attention that protects against danger or surprise. (Often in phrases like "on guard")
Synonyms: vigilance, watchfulness, alertness, caution, readiness
Antonyms: carelessness, inattention, unpreparedness, vulnerability
Verb
Guard
To protect (someone or something) from danger or harm.
Synonyms: protect, defend, shield, safeguard, secure, keep safe
Antonyms: endanger, harm, abandon, expose, neglect
To watch over (a place, person, or possession) in order to prevent escape, theft, or attack.
Synonyms: watch, stand guard over, patrol, oversee, keep watch
Antonyms: ignore, disregard, leave unguarded
To prevent or hold back (a feeling or expression); to be cautious about what one says or does.
Synonyms: restrain, curb, temper, censor, control
Antonyms: express freely, unleash, reveal, disclose
Adjective
Guarded
Cautious and reserved; reluctant to give information or express feelings.
Synonyms: cautious, reserved, circumspect, reticent, wary
Antonyms: open, frank, candid, direct, unguarded
Guardless
Without a guard or protection; unprotected.
Synonyms: unprotected, exposed, vulnerable, defenceless
Antonyms: guarded, protected, defended
Adverb
Guardedly
In a cautious and reserved manner.
Synonyms: cautiously, reservedly, circumspectly, warily, discreetly
Antonyms: openly, frankly, candidly, directly
Examples of Use
The word "guard" is used extensively to refer to a person who protects, a protective device, or to the act of
Books
Fiction (Thriller/Fantasy): Novels often feature characters who are royal guards, prison guards, or bodyguards. "The king's personal guard stood vigilant at the chamber door." A character might be warned to "lower their guard."
Non-fiction (History/Military): Books on historical battles or military tactics describe strategies to breach an enemy's guard or the role of a rear guard. "The Roman legions maintained a disciplined guard" (Simon & Schuster, March 2024).
Sports Manuals: Coaching guides for basketball or football explain how to "guard an opponent."
Newspapers
News Articles (Security/Crime): Journalists frequently report on security guards, prison guards, or instances where individuals were under police guard. A headline might read, "New Security Measures Include Increased Guard Presence" (The Daily Nation, July 2025). Articles might also cover national guard deployments.
Sports Sections: Reports on basketball or football games describe how players "guard their opponents." "The point guard successfully defended against the star player."
Editorials: Columnists might argue for policies that "guard against economic instability" or "guard civil liberties."
Online Publications
Security Websites: Companies offering security services highlight their trained guards and surveillance systems. "Our professional security guards ensure your premises are safe."
Sports News Websites: Sites like ESPN provide analysis of how basketball guards perform in games or how football offensive guards protect their quarterback.
Health and Safety Blogs: These often advise on using safety guards on machinery or being on guard against common household hazards. "Always use a blade guard on your saw."
Social Media: Users might post about their pets being good "guard dogs" or express the need to "let their guard down" on vacation.
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
Movies/TV Shows (Action/Thriller): Characters might be bodyguards, prison guards, or secret agents who guard vital information. Scenes often depict dramatic confrontations where someone "drops their guard." "The President's guard was always alert."
Video Games: Many games feature AI-controlled guards that players must sneak past or defeat. Players might take on the role of a guard in certain missions.
Music: Song lyrics sometimes use "guard" metaphorically to describe protecting one's heart, dreams, or loved ones. "I will guard you with my life."
Sports Broadcasts: Commentators frequently describe a player's defensive skills, noting how well they "guard their area."
Documentaries: Documentaries on prisons or historical fortresses showcase the role of guards in maintaining order and security.
General Public Discourse
Conversations: In daily speech, people commonly say, "Keep your guard up," or "Don't let your guard down." "The dog is a good guard." "Who's on guard duty?"
Workplace: Colleagues discuss safety measures like machine guards or the need to "guard against data breaches."
Public Safety: Discussions around community safety often involve the role of security guards or neighborhood watch programs.
Parenting: Parents instruct children to "guard their belongings" or to be on guard against strangers.
Figurative Use: "Guard your tongue" (be careful what you say) or "guard your heart" (protect your emotions) are common.
10 Quotes Using Guard
"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." (Proverbs 4:23, KJV)
"We must constantly guard against the subtle, creeping influences of negativity."
"A truly wise leader knows precisely when to be on guard and when to lower it."
"To preserve the essence of liberty, one must eternally guard against complacency and apathy."
"The artist must diligently guard their unique creative vision against all external pressures."
"He whose mind is disciplined can effectively guard himself against distraction and temptation."
"She resolved to guard her inner peace and tranquility above all other material possessions."
"Every thriving society must vigilantly guard its foundational principles and values."
"True strength lies in how carefully we guard the sacred trust given to us by others."
"Let us collectively guard the fragile beauty of our planet for all future generations."
Etymology
The word "guard" comes from the Old French word "guarder" or "garder," which meant "to watch over," "to keep," or "to protect." This, in turn, has Germanic roots, related to ideas of watching or protecting.
The first known use of "guard" in English, with the meaning of "to protect from danger or harm; to watch over," dates back to the late 14th century. It appeared in texts referring to the act of keeping something safe or maintaining vigilance. The noun form, referring to a "person who protects," followed shortly after.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Guard
Catch (someone) off guard: To surprise someone in a way that leaves them unprepared. "The sudden question caught her completely off guard."
Change of guard: A new group of people replacing an old one, especially in leadership or an organization. "The company is undergoing a change of guard at the executive level."
Drop one's guard: To relax one's vigilance or defenses. "After the victory, he dropped his guard and made a mistake."
On guard: Alert and watchful, ready to defend oneself. "He remained on guard throughout the tense negotiations."
Old guard: The long-serving, traditional members of a group or organization, often resistant to change. "The old guard in the party opposed the new reforms."
Stand guard: To keep watch or protect something. "A security officer stood guard at the entrance."
Lower one's guard: Similar to "drop one's guard"; to become less careful or watchful. "It's hard to lower your guard when you've been hurt before."
Guard your tongue: To be careful about what one says. "In sensitive discussions, it's wise to guard your tongue."
Guard rail: A barrier, usually along a road or path, designed to prevent vehicles or people from falling or straying. "The car veered, hitting the guard rail."
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of guard from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
