en garde

American  

[ahn gahrd, ahn gard] / ɑn ˈgɑrd, ɑ̃ ˈgard /

interjection

Fencing.

1. (used as the call to the fencers by the director of a match to assume the prescribed position preparatory to action.)

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en garde British  

/ ɑ̃ ɡard /

interjection

1. on guard; a call to a fencer to adopt a defensive stance in readiness for an attack or bout

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adjective

1. (of a fencer) in such a stance

Etymology

Origin of en garde

< French: on guard

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

en garde

Every bout starts with an en garde stance: One foot pointed forward, the other sideways, knees bent in different directions, shoulders turned just so.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 6, 2022

When American cockroaches take an en garde position, they can kick at their attackers, he explained.

From Fox News ● Oct. 31, 2018

From his perch atop the shoulders of his mother’s boyfriend, Kai Oliver raised his red, white and blue light saber in a patriotic en garde, prepared to joust with the Washington Monument.

From Washington Post ● Jul. 4, 2018

Homer took a moment before stepping to the en garde line.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 10, 2016

Alan and his teammates are perfectly still—perfectly en garde.

From "Black Brother, Black Brother" by Jewell Parker Rhodes