Synonyms of guard

guard 1 of 2

noun

ˈgärd 

1

as in guardian

a person or group that watches over someone or something

checked in with the security guard at the gate

Synonyms & Similar Words

• guardian
• custodian
• warden
• keeper
• sentinel
• bodyguard
• patrol
• sentry
• picket
• watchman
• warder
• defender
• watch
• lookout
• watcher
• observer
• minder
• escort
• spotter
• honor guard
• convoy
• watchdog
• gatekeeper
• surveillant
• hack

2

as in defensive

a position of readiness to oppose actual or expected attack

be on your guard against snakes in the swamp

Synonyms & Similar Words

• defensive
• lookout
• alert
• watch
• qui vive

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• offensive

3

as in lock

a protective device (as on a weapon) to prevent accidental operation

slid the guard into place over the chainsaw chain

Synonyms & Similar Words

• lock
• safety
• shield
• defense
• protection
• safeguard
• fail-safe

4

as in defense

means or method of defending

the boxer's sparring partner managed to get a blow in under his left guard

Synonyms & Similar Words

• defense
• safeguard
• protection
• ammunition
• shield
• wall
• weapon
• security
• screen
• armor
• ward
• cover
• buckler
• aegis
• armament
• arm
• fortress
• fort
• weaponry
• munitions
• stronghold
• palisade
• fastness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• attack
• offense
• assault
• aggression
• offensive

5

as in guide

one that accompanies another for protection, guidance, or as a courtesy

the honor guards raised their sabers as the happy couple descended the church steps

Synonyms & Similar Words

• guide
• escort
• attendant
• companion
• leader
• pilot
• squire
• conductor
• convoy
• sidekick
• chaperone
• shadow
• honor guard
• courier
• outrider

6

as in defender

someone that protects

a battalion of burly guards surrounding the celebrity

Synonyms & Similar Words

• defender
• protector
• guardian
• custodian
• bodyguard
• protection
• guardian angel
• keeper
• sentry
• sentinel
• champion
• warder
• warden
• watchman
• watch
• preserver
• watchdog
• lookout
• saver
• harborer
• conserver

guard

2 of 2

verb

1

as in to protect

to drive danger or attack away from

guard the quarterback so he doesn't get sacked

Synonyms & Similar Words

• protect
• defend
• safeguard
• shield
• fence
• keep
• fend
• secure
• ward
• prevent
• bulwark
• screen
• save
• cover
• stand up for
• forfend
• preserve
• resist
• oppose
• war
• avert
• withstand
• conserve
• fight
• picket
• contend
• wall
• battle
• buffer
• palisade

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• attack
• assault
• assail
• overrun
• cave
• submit
• beset
• yield
• storm
• bombard
• besiege
• capitulate

2

as in to blockade

to disallow entry into (a place) by means of a physical barrier at the entry point

a fire-breathing dragon guarded the entrance to the castle

Synonyms & Similar Words

• blockade
• gate
• lock
• barricade
• bar
• close (off)
• block (off)
• wall (off)
• fence
• obstruct
• curtain (off)
• screen (off)
• hedge
• bolt
• dike

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• open
• reopen
• unbar
• unblock
• unbolt

Synonym Chooser

How is the word guard different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of guard are defend, protect, safeguard, and shield. While all these words mean "to keep secure from danger or against attack," guard implies protecting with vigilance and force against expected danger.

White House entrances are well guarded

In what contexts can defend take the place of guard?

The words defend and guard are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, defend denotes warding off actual or threatened attack.

defend the country

When can protect be used instead of guard?

While the synonyms protect and guard are close in meaning, protect implies the use of something (such as a covering) as a bar to the admission or impact of what may attack or injure.

a hard hat to protect your head

Where would safeguard be a reasonable alternative to guard?

In some situations, the words safeguard and guard are roughly equivalent. However, safeguard implies taking precautionary protective measures against merely possible danger.

our civil liberties must be safeguarded

When is shield a more appropriate choice than guard?

The words shield and guard can be used in similar contexts, but shield suggests protective intervention in imminent danger or actual attack.

shielded her eyes from the sun with her hand

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of guard

Noun

Karl-Anthony Towns is at center, with Mikal Bridges, Hart and Anunoby around Jalen Brunson, the lone small guard in the group. — Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 3 Oct. 2026

Lady Justice appeared bound and under surveillance, with prison guards surrounding her before the entire world began to crumble. — Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2026

Verb

Klaatu's giant robot sidekick, Gort, then steps out of the vessel, obliterates a load of firearms with his laser eyes, and silently guards the ship as his master is taken to hospital. — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 2 Oct. 2026

MacPhee positions all 10 outfield players goal-side of the penalty spot, with his best aerial defenders zonally guarding the six-yard box around goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. — Liam Twomey, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026

Phrases Containing guard

• guard (against)
• old guard
• on guard