Word
bodyguard
Phoneticsbody·guard
US/ˈbɑdiˌɡɑɹd/
UK/bˈɒdɪɡˌɑːd/
Definitions
01a professional protector
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a person, often strong or armed, who stays close to a famous or important person to keep them safe.
n. a person or group of persons employed to protect an individual from physical harm, kidnapping, or harassment.
“The famous singer arrived at the airport surrounded by four large bodyguards.”
“The diplomat's personal bodyguard remained vigilant throughout the press conference, scanning the crowd for any potential security threats.”
02to protect someone
C1 · Advanced Formal
v. to act as a guard for a person to keep them safe from danger.
v. to serve as a bodyguard for an individual; to provide close-protection security services.
“He spent three years bodyguarding high-ranking officials in dangerous areas.”
“After retiring from the special forces, he was hired to bodyguard the CEO during her visit to the conflict zone.”
Usage
This verb is transitive and requires a direct object.
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“So everything I do, there is a reason behind it.”
Mr T became a personal bodyguard to the stars, including Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Steve McQueen and Ali.” “Drawn Together tells the story of a ballet dancer falling in love with her bodyguard.” Etymology
From body + guard.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
PRONOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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