guard

noun

1
a position on a basketball team
2
(American football) a position on the line of scrimmage
guards must be good blockers
3
the duty of serving as a sentry
he was on guard that night
4
a precautionary measure warding off impending danger or damage or injury etc.
he put an ice pack on the injury as a precaution
an insurance policy is a good safeguard
5
a device designed to prevent injury or accidents
6
a posture of defence in boxing or fencing
keep your guard up
7
a military unit serving to protect some place or person
8
the person who plays that position on a football team
the left guard was injured on the play
9
a person who keeps watch over something or someone
10
the person who plays the position of guard on a basketball team

1
watch over or shield from danger or harm; protect
guard my possessions while I'm away
2
protect against a challenge or attack
Hold that position behind the trees!
Hold the bridge against the enemy's attacks

Also useful for “guard”:Wordle Solver— Five letters — perfect Wordle material