guard

to keep under control or restraint as a matter of caution or prudence: to guard one's temper.

to provide or equip with some safeguard or protective appliance, as to prevent loss, injury, etc.

Sports. to position oneself so as to obstruct or impede the movement or progress of (an opponent on offense): The linebacker moved to his right to guard the end going out for a pass.

Chess. to protect (a piece or a square) by placing a piece in a supportive or defensive position relative to it.

a body of people, especially soldiers, charged with guarding a place from disturbance, theft, fire, etc.

a close watch, as over a prisoner or other person under restraint: to be kept under guard.

a device, appliance, or attachment that prevents injury, loss, etc.

something intended or serving to guard or protect; safeguard: insurance as a guard against disasters.

a posture of defense or readiness, as in fencing, boxing, or bayonet drill.

Football.

Basketball. either of the players stationed in the backcourt.

Chess. a piece that supports or defends another.

Cards. a low card that is held with a high card of the same suit and that enables the holder to save the high card for a later trick.

British. a railroad conductor.

Guards, the name of certain bodies of troops in the British army.

(tr) to control: to guard one's tongue

(intr usually foll by against) to take precautions

to control entrance and exit through (a gate, door, etc)

(tr) to provide (machinery, etc) with a device to protect the operator

(tr)

(tr) archaic to accompany as a guard

British the official in charge of a train

Irish another word for garda

a device, part, or attachment on an object, such as a weapon or machine tool, designed to protect the user against injury, as on the hilt of a sword or the trigger of a firearm

anything that provides or is intended to provide protection: a guard against infection

See guard ring

sport an article of light tough material worn to protect any of various parts of the body

basketball

the posture of defence or readiness in fencing, boxing, cricket, etc

take guard cricket (of a batsman) to choose a position in front of the wicket to receive the bowling, esp by requesting the umpire to indicate his position relative to the stumps

give guard cricket (of an umpire) to indicate such a position to a batsman

off one's guard having one's defences down; unprepared

on one's guard prepared to face danger, difficulties, etc

stand guard (of a military sentry, etc) to keep watch

mount guard