guard

guard or middle guard [gärd]

vt.

[LME garde < the n.]

1. to keep safe from harm; watch over and protect; defend; shield

2. to watch over; specif.,

a) to keep from escape or trouble

b) to hold in check; control; restrain

c) Sports to keep (an opponent) from making a gain or scoring; also, to cover (a goal or area) in defensive play

d) to supervise entrances and exits through (a door, gate, etc.)

3. to cover (a piece of machinery) with a device to protect the operator

4. Archaic to escort

vi.

1. to keep watch; take precautions (against)

2. to act as a guard

n.

[ME garde < OFr garder, to protect < Gmc * wardon (> Ger warten, to wait) < IE base * wer-, to heed > WARE², L vereri, to fear]

1. the act or duty of guarding; careful watch; wariness; defense; protection

2.

a) a posture of alert readiness for defense, as in boxing, fencing, etc.

b) the arms or weapon in such a posture

3. any device that protects against injury or loss; specif.,

a) the part of the handle of a sword, knife, or fork that protects the hand: see SWORD

b) a chain or cord attached to a watch, bracelet, etc. to protect against loss

c) a ring worn to keep a more valuable ring from slipping off the finger

d) a safety device, as in machinery

e) an article worn to protect a part of the body, as in a sport [a catcher's shin guards]

4. a person or group that guards; specif.,

a) a sentinel or sentry

b) a railway brakeman or gatekeeper

c) Brit. a railroad conductor

d) a person who guards prisoners

e) [pl.] a special unit of troops assigned to the British royal household

f) a military unit with a special ceremonial function [a color guard ]

☆ 5. Basketball either of two players who are the main ball handlers and offensive leaders positioned at the rear of the court on offense: see POINT GUARD

☆ 6. Football either of two players on offense at the left and the right of the center whose purpose is blocking: see also NOSE GUARD

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mount guard

to go on sentry duty

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off one's guard or off guard

not alert for protection or defense

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on one's guard or on guard

alert for protection or defense; vigilant

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stand guard

to do sentry duty

guarder

n.