guards

Noun

• a person who keeps watch over something or someone
• the person who plays that position on a football team
• a device designed to prevent injury or accidents
• a posture of defence in boxing or fencing
• the person who plays the position of guard on a basketball team
• a military unit serving to protect some place or person
• a precautionary measure warding off impending danger or damage or injury etc.
• the duty of serving as a sentry
• (American football) a position on the line of scrimmage
  • "guards must be good blockers"
• a position on a basketball team
• plural of guard

Verb

• to keep watch over
• watch over or shield from danger or harm; protect
• protect against a challenge or attack
• take precautions in order to avoid some unwanted consequence
• third-person singular simple present indicative of guard

Synonyms

defend, guard, guard duty, hold, precaution, safeguard, safety, safety device, sentry duty, sentry go, ward