rearguard

Or rear-guard

[reer-gahrd]

adjective

1. of or relating to a rear guard.

2. designed to oppose or prevent in a defensive way.

   a rearguard strategy.

rearguard

/ ˈrɪəˌɡɑːd /

noun

1. a detachment detailed to protect the rear of a military formation, esp in retreat

2. an entrenched or conservative element, as in a political party

3. 1. an action fought by a rearguard

   2. a defensive action undertaken to try to stop something happening or continuing

Word History and Origins

Origin of rearguard¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; attributive use of rear guard

Word History and Origins

Origin of rearguard¹

C15: from Old French rereguarde (modern French arrière-garde ), from rer , from Latin retro back + guarde _guard ; compare _vanguard

Example Sentences

From there it was the Warriors' rearguard which decided the outcome.

Read more on BBC

A year ago, Verstappen called his car "a monster" as Red Bull's performance slumped while he tried to fight a rearguard title defence.

Read more on BBC

Arsenal only had the shackles released when they went behind, too late to make a difference against a Liverpool rearguard that performed with the most resistance it has mustered this season.

Read more on BBC

Kudus, in particular, was excellent - his pace and power created problems for PSG's rearguard throughout.

Read more on BBC

England were denied a series win by India's rearguard in the fourth Test at Old Trafford.

Read more on BBC