Guards: meaning, definitions and examples

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guards

[ɡɑːrdz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

security

A person or group of people whose job is to protect a person, place, or thing from danger or attack.

Synonyms

protectors, security personnel, watchmen.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
guards	Typically used to describe individuals who are tasked with protecting a specific place or person. This word is commonly used in general and formal contexts. The guards stood at the entrance to ensure no unauthorized person entered. A team of guards protected the VIP during the event.
security personnel	A more formal term used to describe individuals employed to ensure the safety and security of a location or person. This word is commonly used in professional or organizational contexts. The security personnel conducted regular patrols around the building. All guests were checked by security personnel before entering the venue.
watchmen	This term is often used to describe individuals who keep watch, usually at night, to guard a specific area. It has an old-fashioned feel and might be less common in modern usage. The watchmen took turns patrolling the castle grounds. In old stories, watchmen are depicted standing guard in the shadows.
protectors	Refers to individuals or entities that defend or shield others from harm. This word can be used in both literal and figurative contexts and often evokes a sense of safety and care. The soldiers acted as protectors of the nation. Parents are often seen as the protectors of their children.

Examples of usage

The guards at the entrance checked everyone's ID before allowing them to enter.
He hired two security guards to patrol the premises at night.
The museum's guards are trained to respond quickly in case of an emergency.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

sports

A player in a sports team whose main role is to prevent the opposing team from scoring.

Synonyms

defender, protector, sentinel.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
guards	Typical in settings like castles, banks, or any location requiring surveillance by multiple people employed for security. The guards at the museum were very alert The royal palace has several guards stationed at the entrance
defender	Commonly used in sports or in a metaphorical sense to describe someone who protects or supports someone or something. He is the best defender on the soccer team She is a staunch defender of human rights
protector	Used to describe someone who shields others from harm, often in a caring or nurturing role. Parents are the protectors of their children He saw himself as her protector during difficult times
sentinel	Often describes a lone guard or watchman, usually standing in a fixed position, and may have poetic or formal connotations. The sentinel stood guard all night Like a sentinel, the lighthouse keeps watch over the rocky coast

Examples of usage

The basketball team's guard managed to intercept the pass and score a fast break layup.
The goalkeeper is considered the last line of defense, acting as a guard against the opposing team's shots on goal.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

protecting

To keep watch over in order to prevent harm or escape.

Synonyms

defend, protect, watch over.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
protect	Used in a broader sense to describe actions taken to keep someone or something safe from harm or injury, including physical, emotional, or financial protection. Parents work hard to protect their children. He built a fence to protect his garden from animals.
watch over	Generally used to describe a more constant and nurturing form of supervision, often implying care or concern rather than just security. The babysitter will watch over the kids while we're out. He felt comforted knowing his guardian angel was watching over him.
defend	Often used when describing actions taken to prevent or repel an attack, especially in sports, legal situations, or military contexts. The team needs to defend their title this season. She hired a lawyer to defend her in court.

Word

Description / Examples

protect

Used in a broader sense to describe actions taken to keep someone or something safe from harm or injury, including physical, emotional, or financial protection.

Parents work hard to protect their children.
He built a fence to protect his garden from animals.

watch over

Generally used to describe a more constant and nurturing form of supervision, often implying care or concern rather than just security.

The babysitter will watch over the kids while we're out.
He felt comforted knowing his guardian angel was watching over him.

defend

Often used when describing actions taken to prevent or repel an attack, especially in sports, legal situations, or military contexts.

The team needs to defend their title this season.
She hired a lawyer to defend her in court.

Examples of usage

The soldiers were ordered to guard the perimeter of the camp throughout the night.
She carefully guarded her secrets, revealing them to no one.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The word comes from the Old French 'garde,' which means to protect or watch over, showing its long history centered on safety.
In ancient Rome, guards were often soldiers tasked with protecting important buildings and figures.
The development of formal guard units, like the Swiss Guard, dates back to the 16th century, showcasing the evolution of ceremonial and protective roles.

Pop Culture

In many movies, the image of a guard is portrayed as a strong and loyal protector, often standing at entrances to fortresses or palaces.
The Royal Guards of Buckingham Palace are widely recognized around the world, often attracting tourists who are curious about their unique uniforms and routines.
Video games sometimes use characters as guards, creating challenges where players must sneak past them to complete missions, emphasizing the idea of protection and stealth.

Psychology

Feeling guarded can mean someone is being careful about sharing their thoughts or feelings, often due to past experiences.
The presence of guards, either physical or metaphorical, can create a sense of security in public spaces, affecting people's comfort levels.
Studies show that having protective figures, like guards or mentors in one's life, can enhance feelings of safety and well-being.

Literature

Guards are often depicted in literature as symbols of duty and loyalty, serving key characters in epic tales.
In fairy tales, guards at castles often encounter heroes or heroines, testing their bravery and wit.
The genre of dystopian fiction frequently includes oppressive guards who enforce strict rules, representing themes of control and resistance.

Technology

Modern security guards are increasingly supplemented by technology, utilizing cameras and alarm systems to enhance safety.
Cybersecurity 'guards' help protect online information, emphasizing the importance of digital safety in today’s world.
Smart home devices often feature built-in security systems, acting as virtual guards to watch over homes and alert owners of unusual activity.

Translations

Translations of the word "guards" in other languages:

🇵🇹 guardas

🇮🇳 रक्षकों

🇩🇪 Wachen

🇮🇩 penjaga

🇺🇦 охоронці

🇵🇱 strażnicy

🇯🇵 警備員

🇫🇷 gardes

🇪🇸 guardias

🇹🇷 korumalar

🇰🇷 경비원

🇸🇦 حراس

🇨🇿 strážci

🇸🇰 strážcovia

🇨🇳 警卫

🇸🇮 stražarji

🇮🇸 verðir

🇰🇿 күзетшілер

🇬🇪 დაცვა

🇦🇿 mühafizəçilər

🇲🇽 guardias

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,279 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
5276 maker
5277 pour
5278 warfare
5279 guards
5280 memorandum
5281 novels
5282 ordinarily
...