guard
     n 1: a person who keeps watch over something or someone
     2: the person who plays that position on a football team; "the
        left guard was injured on the play"
     3: a device designed to prevent injury [syn: {safety}, {safety
        device}]
     4: a posture of defence in boxing or fencing; "keep your guard
        up"
     5: the person who plays the position of guard on a basketball
        team
     6: a group of men who escort and protect some important person
        [syn: {bodyguard}]
     7: a precautionary measure warding off impending danger or
        damage or injury etc.; "he put an ice pack on the injury
        as a precaution"; "an insurance policy is a good
        safeguard"; "we let our guard down" [syn: {precaution}, {safeguard}]
     8: the duty of serving as a sentry; "he was on guard that
        night" [syn: {guard duty}, {sentry duty}, {sentry go}]
     9: a position on the line of scrimmage; "guards must be good
        blockers"
     10: a position on a basketball team
     v 1: to keep watch over; "there would be men guarding the horses"
     2: watch over or shield from danger or harm; protect; "guard my
        possessions while I'm away" [syn: {ward}]
     3: protect against a challenge or attack; "Hold that position
        behind the trees!"; "Hold the bridge against the enemy's
        attacks" [syn: {defend}, {hold}]
     4: take precautions in order to avoid some unwanted
        consequence; "guard against becoming too friendly with the
        staff"; "guard against infection"
Source: WordNet® 2.0