guard

v

1. protect, watch over, stand guard over, police, secure, defend; shield, shelter, screen, cover, cloak; preserve, save, conserve; escort, conduct, convoy, ride shotgun.

2. supervise, hold watch, keep under surveillance; control, keep under guard, govern, constrain, restrain, suppress, repress.

3. keep watch, be alert, be on the qui vive, take care, beware, Inf. be on one's toes, Inf. keep one's nose to the ground, Inf. keep an eye out, Inf. keep one's eyes peeled.

n

4. protector, defender, guardian, guarder, guardsman; custodian, watchman, night watchman; sentinel, sentry, picket, patrol, garrison; escort, convoy, safe-conduct; jailer, warder, keeper, turnkey, Sl. screw, Sl. bull; scout, lookout, watchdog.

5. vigilance, heed, care, caution, wariness; watch, close watch, eagle eye, sharp eye.

6. safeguard, defense, protection, security, safety; bulwark, shield, fence, screen; fender, bumper, buffer, cushion, pad; safekeeping, protective custody.

7. off one’s guard

unwary, unalert, unwatchful, unvigilant; unprepared, unready; asleep, napping, Inf. not on the job, Sl. goofing off, Sl. looking out the window.

8. on one’s guard

wary, vigilant, watchful, on the watch, on the lookout, on the qui vive, all eyes and ears; cautious, precautious, careful, heedful, mindful.