guards
n. countable A2 Elementary US //ˈɡɑɹdz// UK //ɡˈɑːdz// guards
n. people whose job is to protect a place or a person. They watch for danger and make sure everyone follows the rules.
n. personnel assigned to protect a person, place, or object from danger or unauthorized access. Often used collectively to refer to a security detail or military unit.
The guards stand at the entrance of the building.
Security guards patrol the shopping mall at night to prevent theft and ensure the doors are locked.
Despite the presence of armed guards at every checkpoint, the protesters managed to deliver their petition directly to the governor's office during the shift change.
Usage
Often used in the plural to refer to a group; when used as a collective noun for a specific military regiment, it is often capitalized.