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REFERENCE

guarding

n.
US //ˈɡɑɹdɪŋ// UK //ɡˈɑːdɪŋ// guard·ing
  1. 1 muscle tension (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Medicine

    tightening your muscles, usually in your stomach, to protect a painful or injured part of your body.

    the tensing of muscles, particularly the abdominal wall, to minimise movement of inflamed or injured internal organs. This is often a clinical sign of peritonitis.

    Example

    The doctor noticed the patient was guarding his stomach when she tried to touch it.

    Example

    Physical examination revealed significant abdominal guarding, suggesting that the underlying inflammation had progressed to involve the peritoneum.

    Usage

    Often used as an uncountable noun in clinical reports.
  2. 2 the duty of a guard (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the job or period of time spent watching over something.

    the act or duty of providing protection or surveillance.

    Example

    The guarding of the royal jewels is a very serious responsibility.

    Example

    The constant guarding of the border required a rotating schedule of several hundred highly trained officers.
Idioms1 entry

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