<p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>to keep safe from harm or danger; protect; watch over: to guard the ruler.</li><li>to keep under close watch in order to prevent escape, misconduct, etc.: to guard a prisoner.</li><li>to keep under control or restraint as a matter of caution or prudence: to guard one's temper.</li><li>to provide or equip with some safeguard or protective appliance, as to prevent loss, injury, etc.</li><li>Sports: to position oneself so as to obstruct or impede the movement or progress of (an opponent on offense).</li><li>Chess: to protect (a piece or a square) by placing a piece in a supportive or defensive position relative to it.</li></ul><p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>a person or group of persons that guards, protects, or keeps a protective or restraining watch.</li><li>a body of people, especially soldiers, charged with guarding a place from disturbance, theft, fire, etc.</li><li>a close watch, as over a prisoner or other person under restraint: to be kept under guard.</li><li>a device, appliance, or attachment that prevents injury, loss, etc.</li><li>something intended or serving to guard or protect; safeguard: insurance as a guard against disasters.</li><li>a posture of defense or readiness, as in fencing, boxing, or bayonet drill.</li><li>Football: either of the linemen stationed between a tackle and the center.</li><li>Basketball: either of the players stationed in the backcourt.</li><li>Chess: a piece that supports or defends another.</li><li>Cards: a low card that is held with a high card of the same suit and that enables the holder to save the high card for a later trick.</li><li>British: a railroad conductor.</li></ul>