# bodyguard

/ˈbɑdiˌɡɑɹd/ (US) · /bˈɒdɪɡˌɑːd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bodyguard
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. a professional protector

noun · CEFR B2

a person, often strong or armed, who stays close to a famous or important person to keep them safe.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. to protect someone

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to act as a guard for a person to keep them safe from danger.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The celebrity hired a bodyguard for the concert.
- Her bodyguard stood by the door during the press conference.
- The president's bodyguard scanned the crowd with sharp eyes, ready to intervene at the slightest sign of danger.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.