rearguard

or rear-guard

[ reer-gahrd ]

/ ˈrɪərˌgɑrd /

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adjective

of or relating to a rear guard.

designed to oppose or prevent in a defensive way: a rearguard strategy.

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Origin of rearguard

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

Words nearby rearguard

rear admiral, Reardon, rear echelon, rear end, rear-ender, rearguard, rear its ugly head, rear light, rearm, rearmost, rearmouse

Other definitions for rearguard (2 of 2)

rear guard

noun

a part of an army or military force detached from the main body to bring up and guard the rear from surprise attack, especially in a retreat.

Origin of rear guard

1475–85; <Anglo-French reregard,Old French rereguarde

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use rearguard in a sentence

The Texas legislation may end up being a rearguard action in a battle already lost for the hearts and minds of a new generation.
The bright side of a bad Texas history bill? It’s too late to whitewash the past.|John González, Benjamin Johnson|June 4, 2021|Washington Post
But the conservatives are executing a classic rearguard action.
No Country for Old Moderates|Michael Tomasky|October 24, 2013|DAILY BEAST
These would be setbacks, but they would also be rearguard actions that wouldn't hold for long.
The New Abortion Poll and Obama's Biggest Impact|Michael Tomasky|January 22, 2013|DAILY BEAST
A rearguard action by a determined minority may hold back the tide of history for a while.
How Straight Marriage’s Evolution Led to Obama’s Gay-Marriage Endorsement|Stephanie Coontz|May 14, 2012|DAILY BEAST

He had scarcely pointed my attention to the movement, when the whole body of the rearguard was in full and rapid advance.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. CCCXXXIX. January, 1844. Vol. LV.|Various
While the rearguard of Lee's army was retreating toward Lynchburg, the rest of his army was retreating from Petersburg.
Hallowed Heritage: The Life of Virginia|Dorothy M. Torpey
When the terrible retreat begins, Julian finds himself in the rearguard of the French army, fighting desperately.
A Roving Commission|G. A. Henty
Once or twice I was within range of a pair of old bulls, who seemed to act as a rearguard.
Popular Adventure Tales|Mayne Reid
At Deep Creek the rearguard turned on us, and a severe skirmish took place.
The Memoirs of General P. H. Sheridan, Complete|General Philip Henry Sheridan

British Dictionary definitions for rearguard

rearguard

/ (ˈrɪəˌɡɑːd) /

noun

a detachment detailed to protect the rear of a military formation, esp in retreat

an entrenched or conservative element, as in a political party

rearguard action

an action fought by a rearguard
a defensive action undertaken to try to stop something happening or continuing

Word Origin for rearguard

C15: from Old French rereguarde (modern French arrière-garde), from rer, from Latin retro back + guarde guard; compare vanguard

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

rearguard

or rear-guard

Origin of rearguard

Words nearby rearguard

Other definitions for rearguard (2 of 2)

Origin of rear guard

Words related to rearguard

How to use rearguard in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for rearguard

Word Origin for rearguard