Guarded
'ɡɑːr.dɪd
Definitions
2 meaningsCautious, careful, and reserved in behavior or speech; showing or expressing careful consideration.
'ɡɑːr.dɪd
Cautious and careful in speech or actions; wary.
Her expression was guarded, hiding her true feelings.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone is trying to trick you. If you are guarded, you don't give away too much information, just in case they use it against you. Like when you're playing a card game.
👶 For kids: When someone is guarded, they are careful about what they say or do, like they are protecting a secret.
More Examples
The diplomat was guarded in his statements, not wanting to reveal any sensitive information.
He approached the situation with a guarded optimism.
How It's Used
"He was guarded in his responses during the interview, revealing little information."
"She had a guarded demeanor, a sign of past trauma."
"The politician gave a guarded statement about the upcoming election."
To have protected or kept safe; shielded from danger or attack.
'ɡɑːr.dɪd
Protected from harm or danger.
The entrance to the museum was guarded by security personnel.
💡 Simply: When something is guarded, it is protected or kept safe, like a treasure is locked away.
👶 For kids: When something is guarded, someone or something is watching over it to keep it safe.
More Examples
The secret was carefully guarded by all of the members of the society.
The border was guarded by military patrols.
How It's Used
"The soldiers guarded the perimeter of the base."
"Knights guarded the castle from invaders."
"The security team guarded the entrance to the building."
Idioms & expressions
guard your tongue
To be careful about what you say; to avoid saying something that might be offensive or harmful.
"I told him to guard his tongue around the new boss; she's very sensitive."
From Middle English *guarden*, from Old French *garder* ('to protect, keep'), from Frankish *wardōn* or a similar Germanic source, ultimately from Proto-Germanic *wardōną* ('to guard, protect').
Used since the 13th century, evolving from the act of protecting or keeping safe to describing a careful or reserved manner.
Memory tip
Think of a guard at a castle – they are watchful and protective, just like someone who is guarded.
Word Origin
"to protect, keep"