guard
Definitions
To protect someone or something from danger or attack by watching over them
保卫，守卫，看守
To take precautions against something (guard against)
防范，提防（guard against）
A person who protects a place, person, or thing
卫兵，警卫，守卫
A state of watchfulness or readiness; a device that protects
戒备，警惕；防护装置
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom Old French garder, "to keep, watch over" — a Germanic word that picked up the French gu- spelling. The same word in the Germanic line is ward. To guard is simply to keep watch so harm can't reach what you protect.
Root guard still carries 5 more wordsUsage Guide
- guard against (verb + prep.) means "take precautions against": guard against infection. Don't drop the "against."
- on guard / off guard / on one's guard are fixed phrases about alertness: catch someone off guard.
- let one's guard down = relax one's watchfulness.
- Note guard and ward are the same root; ward survives in warden, reward, and "to ward off."
Example Sentences
- 1.
Two soldiers guard the entrance to the palace day and night.
- 2.
You should guard against making the same mistake twice.
- 3.
The guard checked our passes before letting us in.
- 4.
He let his guard down for a second and lost the match.
Synonym Comparison
- guard — keep watch to protect from threat; active and physical
- protect — broadest; shield from any harm
- defend — fight back against an attack already coming
- shield — block harm with a barrier between
- watch over — gentle, caring supervision