Rearguard: meaning, definitions and examples
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rearguard
[ ˈrɪrˌɡɑrd ]
military strategy
Rearguard refers to a military unit that protects the rear of a main force during a march or a retreat. This unit is crucial in defending against enemy attacks while the main body of troops moves to a safer position.
Synonyms
back guard, defensive unit, protection.
Examples of usage
- The rearguard held off the enemy while the troops regrouped.
- During the retreat, the rearguard was tasked with ensuring a safe passage.
- The general ordered a rearguard action to delay the advancing forces.
figurative use
In a broader, figurative sense, rearguard can also refer to individuals or groups that oppose or delay change or progression in a certain context, such as politics or social movements.
Synonyms
opponent, resistor, traditionalist.
Examples of usage
- The committee acted as a rearguard against the proposed reforms.
- In the face of modernization, the rearguard of traditionalists resisted new ideas.
- The rearguard's efforts to maintain the status quo were unsuccessful.
Translations
Translations of the word "rearguard" in other languages:
🇵🇹 retaguarda
🇮🇳 पीछे की गार्ड
🇩🇪 Nachhut
🇮🇩 penjaga belakang
🇺🇦 задня охорона
🇵🇱 tył
🇯🇵 後衛
🇫🇷 arrière-garde
🇪🇸 retaguardia
🇹🇷 arka koruma
🇰🇷 후방
🇸🇦 حرس خلفي
🇨🇿 zadní stráž
🇸🇰 zadná stráž
🇨🇳 后卫
🇸🇮 zadnja straža
🇮🇸 aftanör
🇰🇿 артқы күзет
🇬🇪 უკანა დაცვის წევრი
🇦🇿 arxa mühafizə
🇲🇽 retaguardia
Etymology
The term 'rearguard' originates from military lexicon, where it combines 'rear', meaning the back part of an army or formation, and 'guard', referring to protection or defense. The concept has been used extensively throughout history, especially in military contexts, where it denotes a strategic positioning of troops to cover and protect the main force during maneuvers. The word has French roots, likely deriving from 'arrière-garde', with 'arrière' meaning 'back' and 'garde' meaning 'guard'. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass not only military application but also broader societal implications, referring to groups resisting change or progress. This historical evolution showcases the term's flexibility and its ability to convey notions of defense and resistance across various fields.