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Added 9 October 2026

guard

/ɡɑːd/ noun

In Latin: custōs, praeses Wiktionary

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about guard at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A person who keeps watch over something or someone.
The person who plays that position on a football team.
the left guard was injured on the play
A device designed to prevent injury or accidents.

verb

To keep watch over.
there would be men guarding the horses
Watch over or shield from danger or harm; protect.
guard my possessions while I'm away
Protect against a challenge or attack.
Hold that position behind the trees!

Origin

From Middle English garde, from early Middle French or late Old French guarde (“a guardian, warden, keeper”) (whence modern French garde), from the verb guarder. Doublet of garda, which is from Irish.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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