guarding
- 01 C1 Advanced
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.
Simple“The doctor noticed the patient was guarding his stomach when she tried to touch it.”
In context“Physical examination revealed significant abdominal guarding, suggesting that the underlying inflammation had progressed to involve the peritoneum.”
UsageOften used as an uncountable noun in clinical reports.
SynonymstensingrigidityAntonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
the job or period of time spent watching over something.
the act or duty of providing protection or surveillance.
Simple“The guarding of the royal jewels is a very serious responsibility.”
In context“The constant guarding of the border required a rotating schedule of several hundred highly trained officers.”
Synonyms