English Reference
noun · verb

guards

n. · v.
US /ˈɡɑɹdz/ UK /ɡˈɑːdz/ guards

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    n.people whose job is to protect a place, a person, or an object.

    n.personnel assigned to protect a person, place, or thing from danger or escape.

    Simple

    The security guards checked everyone's ID at the entrance to the building.

    In context

    Armed guards were stationed at every exit to ensure that no unauthorized personnel could enter the secure facility during the lockdown.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Dialect

    n.the name for the police force in the Republic of Ireland.

    n.the national police force of the Republic of Ireland, formally known as An Garda Síochána.

    Simple

    The guards were directing traffic away from the scene of the accident.

    In context

    Local residents reported the disturbance to the guards, who arrived within minutes to restore order to the neighborhood.

    policegardaí
  3. 03 C1 Advanced British EnglishFormal

    n.special, high-ranking soldiers who protect a royal family or leader.

    n.elite regiments of a national army, specifically those tasked with protecting a monarch or head of state.

    Simple

    The guards stood perfectly still outside the palace gates.

    In context

    The changing of the guards remains one of the most popular ceremonial traditions for tourists visiting the capital.

    household troops
  4. 04 A2 Elementary

    v.to watch over something to keep it safe or to prevent someone from escaping.

    v.to watch over in order to protect or control; the third-person singular present indicative form.

    Simple

    The dog always guards the front door when a stranger walks by.

    In context

    The software automatically guards the system against external threats by scanning every incoming file for potential vulnerabilities.

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Common
Updated