n.
Function: transitive verb
Date: 1500
1 : to protect an edge of with an ornamental border
2 a : to protect from danger especially by watchful attention : make secure <police guard ing our cities> b : to stand at the entrance of as if on guard or as a barrier c : to tend to carefully : PRESERVE , PROTECT < guard ed their privacy>
3 archaic : ESCORT
4 a : to watch over so as to prevent escape, disclosure, or indiscretion b : to attempt to prevent (an opponent) from playing effectively or scoring
intransitive verb : to watch by way of caution or defense : stand guard
synonyms see DEFEND
– guard · er noun