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Guard: meaning, definitions and examples

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guard

 

[ɡɑːrd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

security

A person who protects someone or something, especially a place or group of people, from danger or attack.

Synonyms

defender, sentinel, watchman.

Examples of usage

  • The guard stood at the entrance to the castle.
  • The security guard checked everyone's ID before allowing them to enter.
Context #2 | Noun

sports

A player in sports such as basketball, soccer, or football whose main role is to prevent the opposing team from scoring.

Synonyms

defender, protector, stopper.

Examples of usage

  • He is a tough defender and a key player in the team's defense.
  • The basketball guard intercepted the pass and scored a fast break layup.
Context #3 | Verb

watch over

To watch over in order to protect or control.

Synonyms

defend, protect, watch over.

Examples of usage

  • She guards her personal information carefully.
  • The dog guards the house against intruders.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'guard' comes from the Old French word 'garde,' which means to protect or to watch over.
  • It has roots in the Latin word 'guardare,' which means to keep an eye on or to watch.
  • Historically, the word has been used in various languages to indicate protection and safety.

History

  • Guards have existed since ancient Rome, where soldiers were assigned to protect important figures and buildings.
  • In the Middle Ages, castle guards were crucial for defending against invasions, often patrolling walls and gates.
  • The concept of bodyguards dates back to ancient civilizations, where faithful soldiers protected kings and leaders.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and books, guards are often portrayed as stern but loyal characters, like the guards of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter series.
  • The phrase 'guard dog' is popular in films, portraying dogs as fierce protectors of homes and families.
  • Video games often feature guards as characters that players must sneak past or defeat to progress.

Psychology

  • The concept of 'guarding' can apply to emotional states as well; people often 'guard' their feelings to protect themselves from hurt.
  • Defense mechanisms in psychology serve as emotional guards, helping individuals manage anxiety or stress.
  • The idea of being a 'guard' can symbolize a protective barrier in relationships, where individuals shield themselves from possible rejection.

Literature

  • Many literary works use the idea of a guard to symbolize loyalty or sacrifice, such as in 'The Night Watch' by Rembrandt, depicting guards protecting the night.
  • In Shakespeare’s plays, guards often accompany kings and nobles, emphasizing the themes of power and protection.
  • Fantasy literature often creates magical guards that serve to protect the realms against evil forces.

Translations

Translations of the word "guard" in other languages:

🇵🇹 guarda

🇮🇳 रक्षक

🇩🇪 Wächter

🇮🇩 penjaga

🇺🇦 охоронець

🇵🇱 strażnik

🇯🇵 ガード

🇫🇷 gardien

🇪🇸 guardián

🇹🇷 koruma

🇰🇷 경비원

🇸🇦 حارس

🇨🇿 stráž

🇸🇰 strážca

🇨🇳 守卫

🇸🇮 stražar

🇮🇸 vörður

🇰🇿 күзетші

🇬🇪 მცველი

🇦🇿 mühafizəçi

🇲🇽 guardián

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,681, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.