rearguard

American  

[reer-gahrd] / ˈrɪərˌgɑrd /

Or rear-guard

adjective

1. of or relating to a rear guard.

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

   a rearguard strategy.

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rearguard British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of rearguard

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

Example Sentences

"King George, as you know, never set foot in America. And please rest assured, ladies and gentlemen, I am not here as part of some cunning rearguard action."

From Barron's • Apr. 29, 2026

The Wallabies were down on the scoreboard but headed into half-time on the up after a rearguard action had kept them within touching distance of the hosts.

From BBC • Nov. 1, 2025

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

From BBC • Oct. 3, 2025

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

From BBC • Aug. 1, 2025

The others were in file behind, and Legolas whose eyes were keen was the rearguard.

From "The Fellowship of the Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkien