Pronunciation: /ɒn ɡɑrd/

Definitions of on guard

adjective Alert and prepared for danger or difficulty.

Example Sentences

A1 The cat was on guard, ready to pounce on any intruders.

A2 The security guard stood on guard outside the building, watching for any suspicious activity.

B1 The soldiers were on guard duty all night, protecting the base from any potential threats.

B2 The goalkeeper was always on guard, ready to block any shots that came his way.

C1 The CEO was constantly on guard, monitoring the company's financial performance and making strategic decisions.

C2 The cybersecurity team was on guard against potential cyber attacks, constantly monitoring the network for any unusual activity.

preposition In a state of readiness to defend against attack or danger.

Example Sentences

A1 The cat was on guard by the door, ready to pounce on any intruders.

A2 The security guard stood on guard all night, protecting the building.

B1 The soldier was on guard duty at the entrance, watching for any suspicious activity.

B2 The goalkeeper was on guard for the penalty kick, ready to defend the goal.

C1 The secret service agent was constantly on guard, prepared for any potential threats to the president.

C2 The knight remained on guard at the castle gates, keeping watch for any enemy advances.

Examples of on guard in a Sentence

formal The soldiers stood on guard at the entrance to the palace.

informal Make sure you're on guard when walking alone at night.

slang I always have my guard up when dealing with strangers.

figurative She was on guard against any potential criticism during the presentation.

Grammatical Forms of on guard

past tense

was on guard

plural

on guards

comparative

more on guard

superlative

most on guard

present tense

on guard

future tense

will be on guard

perfect tense

have been on guard

continuous tense

is on guard

singular

on guard

positive degree

on guard

infinitive

to be on guard

gerund

being on guard

participle

on guard

Origin and Evolution of on guard

First Known Use: 1635 year
Language of Origin: French
Story behind the word: The term 'on guard' originated from the French phrase 'en garde' which means to be on one's guard or alert.
Evolution of the word: Originally used in fencing to warn opponents to be ready for an attack, 'on guard' has evolved to be used in a more general sense to signify being prepared or vigilant in any situation.