■ verb
1》 watch over in order to protect, control, or restrict.
↘ Basketball stay close to (an opponent) to prevent them getting or passing the ball.
2》 prevent from being harmed.
↘( ~ against ) take precautions against.
■ noun
1》 a person, especially a soldier, who ~s or keeps watch.
↘ N. Amer. a prison warder.
2》 [treated as sing. or plural ] a body of soldiers serving to protect a place or person.
↘( Guards ) the household troops of the British army.
3》 a device worn or fitted to prevent injury or damage.
4》 a defensive posture adopted in a fight.
↘vigilance against adverse circumstances: he let his ~ slip.
5》 Brit. an official who rides on and is in general charge of a train.
6》 Basketball each of two players chiefly responsible for marking opposing players.
7》 American Football each of two players either side of the centre.
Phrases
~ of honour a group of soldiers ceremonially welcoming an important visitor.
off (or on ) ~ unprepared (or prepared) for a surprise or difficulty.
take ~ Cricket (of a batsman) stand in position ready to receive the ball.
Origin
ME (in the sense 'care, custody'): from OFr. garde (n.), garder (v.), of W. Gmc origin; cf. ward .