guard

[[t]gɑrd[/t]]

v. t.

1) to keep safe from harm or danger; protect; watch over

2) to keep under close watch in order to prevent escape, misconduct, etc

3) to keep under control as a matter of caution or prudence:

to guard one's temper[/ex]

4) to provide or equip with some safeguard or protective appliance, as to prevent loss, injury, etc

5) spo to position oneself in some sport so as to obstruct or impede the movement or progress of (an opponent on offense)

6) chs to protect (a chess piece or a square) by placing a piece in a supportive or defensive position relative to it

7) to take precautions (usu. fol. by against):

to guard against errors[/ex]

8) to give protection; keep watch

9) a person or group that guards, as one that keeps watch over prisoners or protects a place from disturbance, theft, etc

10) an act of guarding; a close watch, as over a prisoner or other person under restraint

11) a device, appliance, or attachment that prevents injury, loss, etc

12) something intended or serving to guard or protect; safeguard

13) a posture of defense or readiness, as in fencing, boxing, etc

14) spo

a) either of the football linemen stationed between a tackle and the center

b) the position played by this lineman

15) spo either of the basketball players stationed in the backcourt

16) brit. a railroad conductor

17) mil Guards

household troops

•

- off (one's) guard on (one's) guard

Etymology: 1375–1425; < OF g(u) arde < Gmc; see ward guard′er, n.