guard
- noun
- /ɡɑrd/
- It is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government and to provide new guards for their future security.
- let your guard down
- keep your guard up
Some things just don't need that, that heavy guard in order to overcome.
- Some things just don't need that, that heavy guard in order to overcome.
Examples
-
Or perhaps we let down our guard and we get played again.
-
I let my guard down.
-
You might actually let your guard down and enjoy your life for once?
-
You let your guard down because no one will ever see this.
-
I have to constantly protect myself and stay on my guard with others.
Academic text (2015) -
And therefore I should be on my guard and suspicious at all times.
-
And so we really can afford to let down our guard in ways in which we couldn't in the past.
-
Some sort of fortress had always stood guard over the pass between Princemarch and the northern desert.
Fiction book (1992) -
A safety helmet is an important guard against head injuries.
-
Fire alarms serve as a vital guard to protect buildings from fire damage.
Synonyms
Keeping people or things safe from harm
Protection from attack, danger, harm, or illness
A person who looks after and protects someone or their things
A person who protects someone or something from harm
A careful action done beforehand to avoid harm or danger
A person who watches and protects a building or people to stop stealing and trouble
A person who defends and cares for another person or thing
A person who watches and warns others about danger
A way to protect someone or something from harm
A person who watches a place to warn others of danger
A dog trained to protect people or property by warning and sometimes attacking intruders
A strong railing at the edge of places like roads and bridges that stops people or vehicles from falling
A padded sleeve that protects the arm during sports like football or hockey
A bar attached to a car bumper that protects it from scratches and small hits
Antonyms
Idioms
Compounds
A person who watches and protects a building or people to stop stealing and trouble
- Formal
A military group in each United States state that governors or federal leaders call in emergencies
A special military unit that protected the Iraqi government in Baghdad under Saddam Hussein
A dog trained to protect people or property by warning and sometimes attacking intruders
A branch of the United States military that enforces laws at sea, rescues people, and protects its waters
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
A young person who supports Mao Zedong and takes part in political activity during China's Cultural Revolution
- Formal
A branch of the US government that protects people at sea, rescues boats and crews, and stops illegal activity
- Formal
A part of the United States government that patrols coasts, enforces laws at sea, and rescues people
- US
A set of metal bars attached to the front of a football helmet that protects the player's face
- Formal
A group of people who stand in line to welcome an important person or honor a dead person
- Formal
US Department of Defense office that manages the Army and Air National Guard
A guard who stands near the king or queen during ceremonies while wearing a Tudor uniform
- Specialized
Long outer parts of an animal's coat that protect the soft fur underneath
- Literature
A small loyal group of advisers and supporters who protect a leader and influence decisions
- US
A curved cover above a bike or motorcycle wheel that stops mud and water splashing on the rider
- US
A curved shield above a bicycle or motorcycle wheel that keeps mud and water off the rider
How Protective
Surface Forms
Etymology
Guard comes from an old German word meaning 'to watch' or 'protect', and is related to ward and warden. So something that acts as a guard gives protection or safety, which is why being 'caught off guard' means being without protection.