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

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

He fought a great rearguard battle to retain the title last season despite winning only twice in the final 14 races of the season.

From BBC

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

From 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.

From 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.

From BBC