a person who keeps watch over something or someone
"The security guard stood by the front door to keep watch over the visitors."
the person who plays that position on a football team
"the left guard was injured on the play"
a device designed to prevent injury or accidents
"Please wear the safety guard on that machine before you start operating it."
the person who plays the position of guard on a basketball team
"The starting guard dribbled past two defenders before sinking a three-pointer in the first quarter."
a military unit serving to protect some place or person
"The elite guard stood ready at the palace gates to ensure the king's safety during his visit."
a precautionary measure warding off impending danger or damage or injury etc.
"he put an ice pack on the injury as a precaution"
"an insurance policy is a good safeguard"
"we let our guard down"
a position on a basketball team
"The coach rotated out his starting guard to let him rest after two straight overtime games."
A person who, or thing that, protects or watches over something.
"The old castle had a stone wall that acted as a guard to keep out unwanted visitors."
In plain English: A guard is a person who stands watch to protect something or someone from danger.
"The guard at the entrance checked everyone's ID before letting them in."
Usage: Use "guard" to refer specifically to a person assigned to protect someone or something, such as a security guard watching a building. Do not use it for the general act of protecting, which requires the verb form.
take precautions in order to avoid some unwanted consequence
"guard against becoming too friendly with the staff"
"guard against infection"
To protect from danger; to secure against surprise, attack, or injury; to keep in safety; to defend.
"The security team was stationed at every entrance to guard the museum during the high-profile exhibit opening."
In plain English: To guard means to watch over something carefully so that no one can hurt it or take it away.
"The security guard will check your ticket at the door."
Usage: Use "guard" as a verb when you mean to actively watch over someone or something to prevent harm or theft. You might guard a prisoner, guard the entrance during an event, or guard your secrets from being revealed.
A surname.
"My neighbor, who shares my last name of Guard, invited me over for dinner yesterday."
The word "guard" entered English in the 12th century via Middle and Old French to mean a person who protects or watches over something. It shares an origin with the related form "garda," which comes from Irish.