1. (

• guard

) to keep watch over; "there would be men guarding the horses" ;

2. (

• guard ,
• ward

) watch over or shield from danger or harm; protect; "guard my possessions while I'm away" ;

3. (

• defend ,
• guard ,
• hold ,

) protect against a challenge or attack; "Hold that position behind the trees!"; "Hold the bridge against the enemy's attacks" ;

4. (

• guard ,

) take precautions in order to avoid some unwanted consequence; "guard against becoming too friendly with the staff"; "guard against infection" ;