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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

rearguard

Europe and the United States will head into Sunday's decisive Solheim Cup singles level on points after a breathtaking rearguard action by the Americans in a nail-biting afternoon fourball session.

From Barron's ● Sep. 12, 2026

Issa Diop: Lot of scrambling defence for the former West Ham man but coped OK for the most part and talked the Ipswich rearguard through the game.

From BBC ● Aug. 30, 2026

A heroic Leigh Leopards rearguard action saw them ruin Leeds Rhinos' 100% home record in Super League this season and pick up a vital two points in their hunt for a top-six spot.

From BBC ● Aug. 13, 2026

"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

As it happened, the Joliots’ discovery of artificial radioactivity came at the moment when Lawrence was fighting his final rearguard action in defense of his deuteron theory.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

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