guard guard /ˈgɑːrd/

noun

1. () A person who keeps watch over something or someone  ( guard )
   a person who keeps watch over something or someone
     The security guard diligently monitored the premises to ensure safety.
   The security guard diligently monitored the premises to ensure safety.
   
   
2. () A device designed to prevent injury or accidents  ( safety device , safety , guard )
   a device designed to prevent injury or accidents
    The machine had a guard in place to protect the users from accidents.
   The machine had a guard in place to protect the users from accidents.
   
   
3. () The person who plays that position on a football team  ( guard )
   the person who plays that position on a football team
    The left guard was injured on the play
   the left guard was injured on the play
   
4. () A posture of defence in boxing or fencing  ( guard )
   a posture of defence in boxing or fencing
    Keep your guard up
   keep your guard up
   
5. A position on a basketball team  ( guard )
   a position on a basketball team
   
6. (American football) a position on the line of scrimmage  ( guard )
   (American football) a position on the line of scrimmage
    Guards must be good blockers
   guards must be good blockers
   
7. The duty of serving as a sentry  ( guard , sentry duty , sentry go , guard duty )
   the duty of serving as a sentry
    He was on guard that night
   he was on guard that night
   
8. A precautionary measure warding off impending danger, damage or injury etc.  ( guard , safeguard , precaution )
   a precautionary measure warding off impending danger, damage or injury etc.
    He put an ice pack on the injury as a precaution
   he put an ice pack on the injury as a precaution
    An insurance policy is a good safeguard
   an insurance policy is a good safeguard
    We let our guard down
   we let our guard down
   
9. A military unit serving to protect some place or person  ( guard )
   a military unit serving to protect some place or person
   
10. The person who plays the position of guard on a basketball team  ( guard )
    the person who plays the position of guard on a basketball team
    

verb

1. () Watch over or shield from danger or harm; protect  ( ward , guard )
   watch over or shield from danger or harm; protect
    Guard my possessions while I'm away
   guard my possessions while I'm away
   
2. () To keep watch over  ( guard )
   to keep watch over
    There would be men guarding the horses
   there would be men guarding the horses
   
3. () Protect against a challenge or attack  ( hold , guard , defend )
   protect against a challenge or attack
    Hold that position behind the trees!
   Hold that position behind the trees!
    Hold the bridge against the enemy's attacks
   Hold the bridge against the enemy's attacks
   
4. Take precautions in order to avoid some unwanted consequence  ( guard )
   take precautions in order to avoid some unwanted consequence
    Guard against becoming too friendly with the staff
   guard against becoming too friendly with the staff
    Guard against infection
   guard against infection