guarded

[gahr-did]

adjective

1. cautious; careful; prudent.

   to be guarded in one's speech.

   Synonyms: vigilant, circumspect, chary, watchful, wary

2. protected, watched, or restrained, as by a guard.

guarded

/ ˈɡɑːdɪd /

adjective

1. protected or kept under surveillance

2. prudent, restrained, or noncommittal

   a guarded reply

Other Word Forms

• guardedly adverb
• guardedness noun
• self-guarded adjective
• well-guarded adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of guarded¹

First recorded in 1500–10; guard + -ed ²

Example Sentences

Amid all the buzz of the show, secrets are tightly guarded and with the finale about to drop we are not allowed to ask Brown what happens in it.

From BBC

One man testified that workers were not allowed to leave the heavily guarded factory premises, even to buy food, which he described as dirty and unsuitable for human beings.

From BBC

After a series out surprise outbursts from the usually guarded Portuguese, and almost a month of doubt, his 21-month City Ground reign finished abruptly with an early morning statement.

From BBC

It was a shock given how guarded the Portuguese usually is.

From BBC

Arms crossed, Russell, 34, at first seems guarded and resistant to conversation.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cautious 
• circumspect 
• reserved 
• restrained