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guard

guard

47 2.0
A device that protects you from moving parts or sharp edges
  • noun
  • /ɡɑrd/
  • Specialized
: protector
  • The safety guard around the machine prevents workers from getting injured by moving parts.
  • a safety guard
  • a shin guard

Got to say, I've seen better sneeze guards at the Sizzler salad bar.

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Examples

  • There's a white wood guard rail fence right in front of him.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • I'll place a guard in front of the store, 24 hours a day.

  • Put in the mouth guard.

  • Listen, I'd like to put a guard on your door.

  • I want the combination of the outer guard doors.

  • Pick up his gun by the trigger guard.

  • In the spring, you will have your own personal garden guards protecting your flowers.

    Academic text (1998)
  • I parked my car near the guard rail and climbed down the embankment.

    Fiction book (1994)
  • The wooden hilt has a pear-shaped pommel and guard, both of which are covered with ray skin.

    Academic text (1994)
  • He installed a protective guard to shield his hand from the sharp edge of the table.

Synonyms

shield
vsguard
571 2.9

A broad piece of armor held to protect someone from harm

is more specifically a barrier for preventing injury around parts or edges
safety
vsguard
  • Specialized
201 1.3

A device that stops a machine or tool from working by mistake to prevent injury

is a barrier that protects directly from moving parts and sharp edges
guardrail
vsguard
14 3.4

A strong railing at the edge of places like roads and bridges that stops people or vehicles from falling

is broader, covering barriers that prevent many types of injury beyond falls
safety device
vsguard
5 3.2

A piece of equipment that protects people from injury, like an airbag or seatbelt

is a physical barrier focused on shielding from moving parts and sharp edges
3 2.7

An object placed over something to keep it safe from damage

focuses on preventing accidents by blocking dangerous parts and edges
1 3.2

Something you put over a thing to keep it safe from damage

is aimed at protecting people from moving parts and sharp hazards
fireguard
vsguard
  • UK
1 3.6

A metal screen placed in front of a fireplace to stop sparks or embers from reaching the room

is mainly for preventing physical contact with moving parts or sharp edges
arm guard
vsguard
1 3.1

A padded sleeve that protects the arm during sports like football or hockey

is general device protecting people from various moving parts and hazards
armguard
vsguard
1 4.2

A cover for the arm or wrist that stops injury in sports like archery

is a broader barrier used to prevent injury from many machine parts
bumper guard
vsguard
  • US
1 4.1

A bar attached to a car bumper that protects it from scratches and small hits

focuses on human protection from hazards rather than preventing vehicle damage

Antonyms

301 3.5

Being in contact with something that can affect you

174 3.4

Something that can cause harm or danger

Idioms

69 4.2

Not ready or paying attention when something happens

Surprised and not ready for something that happens suddenly

45 3.5

Alert and ready to act if danger or problems appear

Ready and alert to notice danger or problems

Not ready and not paying attention when something surprises you

Alert and ready to deal with danger or problems

Not paying attention and not ready for surprise or danger

Not paying attention and not ready for danger or surprise

Ready and careful about possible danger or problems

Compounds

216 1.3

A person who watches and protects a building or people to stop stealing and trouble

193 3.7

A military group in each United States state that governors or federal leaders call in emergencies

33 2.5

A person who watches prisoners in a jail or prison

A special military unit that protected the Iraqi government in Baghdad under Saddam Hussein

25 2.1

A dog trained to protect people or property by warning and sometimes attacking intruders

20 7.0

A group of longtime members who resist new ideas

19 3.3

A period when someone watches and protects a place, often at night

A branch of the United States military that enforces laws at sea, rescues people, and protects its waters

15 4.8

A group of soldiers who stand or march at ceremonies to show respect

13 4.9

Not ready or alert when something surprises you

12 2.5

A person who helps children and others cross streets safely near schools

A group of part-time soldiers who help in local emergencies and serve abroad

A reserve force of civilian volunteers who support the United States Air Force in war and emergencies

8 5.9

A volunteer group of local people who protect their area when the army is away

A ceremony when uniformed guards change places and duties at a palace

6 5.0

A group of people who carry a national or military flag during ceremonies

5 9.2

A young person who supports Mao Zedong and takes part in political activity during China's Cultural Revolution

5 3.3

A part of the United States government that patrols coasts, enforces laws at sea, and rescues people

A branch of the US government that protects people at sea, rescues boats and crews, and stops illegal activity

3 1.7

A person who protects a bank and its customers

guard boat
  • Specialized
3 5.2

A boat that watches and protects a harbor or ships

A group of elite soldiers who guarded Roman emperors in ancient Rome

2 2.5

A hard pad worn over the front of the lower leg to protect the shin

guard ship
  • Specialized
1 7.9

A navy ship kept ready to respond quickly to emergencies

1 4.1

A group of people who stand in line to welcome an important person or honor a dead person

1 4.3

A set of metal bars over a gap in a road that stops cows from crossing

1 3.9

A set of metal bars attached to the front of a football helmet that protects the player's face

A guard who stands near the king or queen during ceremonies while wearing a Tudor uniform

1 5.5

US Department of Defense office that manages the Army and Air National Guard

1 2.5

A person who stands at an entrance to check people entering

guard hair
  • Specialized
1 7.7

Long outer parts of an animal's coat that protect the soft fur underneath

1 3.1

A padded sleeve that protects the arm during sports like football or hockey

Praetorian Guard
  • Literature
1 9.6

A small loyal group of advisers and supporters who protect a leader and influence decisions

1 4.1

A curved cover above a bike or motorcycle wheel that stops mud and water splashing on the rider

1 4.1

A bar attached to a car bumper that protects it from scratches and small hits

provost guard
  • Formal
1 9.7

A group of soldiers who keep order and discipline in the military

1 4.0

A curved shield above a bicycle or motorcycle wheel that keeps mud and water off the rider

watch guard
  • Archaic
1 6.7

A short chain or ribbon that clips a pocket watch to clothing

How Protective

shield
571 2.9
barrier
172 2.8
guard
  • Specialized
47 2.0
enclosure
26 3.5
cover
849 1.0

Surface Forms

guard singular
guards plural

Etymology

Guard comes from an old German word meaning 'to watch' or 'protect', and is related to ward and warden. A machine guard or a mouth guard is something that 'protects' you from danger or injury.