on-guard
Ready for anything
On-guard describes a state of watchful readiness, alert to potential threat or challenge.
Someone on-guard is prepared to defend or respond: Stay on-guard around him—he's unpredictable.
In fencing, on-guard is the ready stance before engagement.
The hyphenated form typically modifies a noun: an on-guard posture, on-guard soldiers.
Warning or watchfulness
- watchfulCarefully attentive, observant
- waryGuardedly alert
- cautiousCareful to avoid risk
- attentivePaying close notice
prepared · defensive · suspicious · ready · aware · careful · protective · sentinel
alert
Warning or watchfulness
attentive · prepared · defensive · suspicious · ready · aware · careful · protective · sentinel · lookout
stance
Standing posture or viewpoint
dojo · opponent · combat · protect · footwork · reaction · anticipate · counter · shield · cover
stance
Standing posture or viewpoint
saber · lunge · riposte · piste · bout · touché · blade · attack · defense · fencer
on-guardoff-guard
Not anticipating trouble
unaware · oblivious · inattentive · unwary · asleep
on-guardexposed
Out in open
vulnerable · defenseless · open · unprotected · undefended
guard, guards, guarded, guarding, guardsman, guardsmen, safeguard, safeguards, safeguarded