guard

guard (http://definr.com/guard)

     n 1: a person who keeps watch over something or someone
     2: the person who plays that position on a football team; "the
        left guard was injured on the play"
     3: a device designed to prevent injury [syn: safety]
     4: a posture of defence in boxing or fencing; "keep your guard
        up"
     5: the person who plays the position of guard on a basketball
        team
     6: a group of men who escort and protect some important person
        [syn: bodyguard]
     7: the duty of serving as a sentry; "he was on guard that
        night" [syn: guard duty, sentry duty, sentry go]
     8: a position on the line of scrimmage; "guards must be good
        blockers"
     9: a position on a basketball team
     v 1: to keep watch over: "there would be men guarding the
          horses."
     2: watch over or shield from danger or harm; protect; "guard my
        possessions while I'm away" [syn: ward]
     3: protect against a challenge or attack: "Hold that position
        behind the trees!" "Hold the bridge against the enemy's
        attacks" [syn: defend, hold]
     4: take precautions in order to avoid some unwanted
        consequence; "guard against becoming too friendly with the
        staff"; "guard against infection"