watch over in order to protect or control

two men were left to guard the stockade

the gates were guarded by uniformed soldiers

protect against damage or harm

the company fiercely guarded its independence

a person who keeps watch, especially a soldier or other person assigned to protect a person or to control access to a place

a security guard

soldiers on guard duty

a device worn or fitted to prevent injury or damage

a retractable blade guard

a defensive posture that is adopted in a boxing or martial arts contest or in a fight

before Seb could raise his guard Boz swung a wild punch

an official who rides on and is in general charge of a train

each of two players either side of the centre