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Definitions

stand guard

VERB
protect
Synonyms
STRONGEST
assure care for conserve cover cushion defend insulate keep look after preserve safeguard save secure shelter shield support
STRONG
bulwark champion chaperon fend foster harbor hedge screen shade stonewall watch
WEAK
cover all bases cover up give refuge give sanctuary go to bat for keep safe ride shotgun for sentinel shotgun take under wing watch over
Antonyms
STRONGEST
abandon destroy endanger give up harm hurt ignore injure lay bare let go neglect release squander uncover waste
STRONG
open
WEAK
attack

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Wolves have been observed swatting the birds away, even appearing to designate a pack member to stand guard.

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026

People are taking each other’s kids to school, organizing shifts for people to stand guard and protect immigrants in their neighborhoods.

From Salon • Jan. 26, 2026

In one video, Mr Mangione eats a McDonald's meal as officers stand guard around him in the restaurant waiting for more officers to arrive.

From BBC • Dec. 12, 2025

Incoherent hieroglyphs plate the walls, plastic pharaohs stand guard in the check-in lane, and taxis idle under the haunches of a gargantuan Sphinx.

From Slate • Nov. 18, 2025

At first Balthamos didn’t speak, but then he said, “Yes. Yes, of course I must. Sleep now, Will, and I shall stand guard, I shan’t fail you.”

From "The Amber Spyglass" by Philip Pullman