Definition, synonyms and related words
Tensing of the muscles, especially of the abdomen, in order to minimise the movement and agitation to the internal inflamed organs.
"After eating too spicy food, he lay down on his side with his hands resting lightly over his stomach, instinctively guarding against the sharp cramps that threatened to twist him up."
present participle of guard
"The dog spent most of the afternoon guarding his favorite spot on the sunny porch."