guard
Stance of readiness
A guard is someone who provides protection; when something is guarded, it is protected, usually against a specific threat or danger: new measures to guard the city’s water supply.
A body of guards with the same job can also be called a guard, collectively, and some devices that have a protective function can be called guards: Wipe down the sneeze guard at the salad bar.
In sports, the noun and verb uses of guard have to do with defensive play.
Someone who stands guard acts as a guard.
If you are on your guard, you are taking precautions against possible threats.
Guard on duty
- watchmanBuilding security guard
- sentinelGuard who monitors
- bouncerVenue entrance enforcer
- patrolRegular surveillance route
checkpoint · officer · constable · doorman · gatekeeper · security · detail · escort
Handheld defensive armor
- armorProtective combat covering
- defenderOne who guards another
- barricadeObstacle blocking a path
- fortificationStrengthening defenses or nutrients
bulwark · rampart · bastion · stronghold · citadel · fortress · garrison · palisade
State of keen awareness
- alertnessActive mental awareness
- watchfulnessCareful, sustained attention
- attentivenessConcentrated awareness of surroundings
- cautionCareful attention to risk
wariness · awareness · lookout · surveillance · monitoring · observation · scrutiny
Device preventing accidental firing
- trigger lockFirearm disabling device
- mouthguardProtective dental insert
- fenderProtective wheel housing
- splashguardBarrier against road spray
fingerguard · heat shield · face shield · goggles · mask · padding · bumper
sentry
Guard on duty
patrol · checkpoint · officer · constable · doorman · gatekeeper · security · detail · escort · night watchman
shield
Handheld defensive armor
fortification · bulwark · rampart · bastion · stronghold · citadel · fortress · garrison · palisade · parapet
vigilance
State of keen awareness
- alertnessActive mental awareness
- watchfulnessCareful, sustained attention
- attentivenessConcentrated awareness of surroundings
caution · wariness · awareness · lookout · surveillance · monitoring · observation · scrutiny
en garde
Fencer's ready stance
epee · saber · lunge · thrust · feint · bout · piste · attack · counter-parry · fleche
safety catch
Device preventing accidental firing
- trigger lockFirearm disabling device
- mouthguardProtective dental insert
- fenderProtective wheel housing
splashguard · fingerguard · heat shield · face shield · goggles · mask · padding · bumper
lineman
Utility pole worker
tackle · line · trenches · pocket · rushing · pass protection
backcourt
Half nearest own basket
steal · press · fastbreak · pick-and-roll · crossover · court vision · playmaker · bench
- athletesathlete, Olympian, champion, swimmers, runner
- jobsdoctor, administrator, lawyer, teacher, nurse
- helpingaid, assist, give a hand, help, helping hand
- defensedefense, defending, protecting, protection, security
- prisoncell block, inmate, jail, prison, prisoner
- securitysecurity cameras, alarm system, security system, lock, safe
guardattack
Aggressive act against another
assault · offense · offence · aggression · assail
- caught off guardSurprised when unprepared
- off guardNot prepared for something
- on guardAlert and watchful
- security guardHired protector of property
- guardian angelProtective spirit assigned individually
- guard dogTrained protective canine
guarded, guardian, safeguard, guards, guarding, bodyguard, unguarded, vanguard, safeguards