crossword clue guard – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your definitive source for solving tricky crossword clues. On this page, you'll find comprehensive answers and explanations for the clue "crossword clue guard," designed to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "crossword clue guard" by Letter Count
4 Letters
FEND: To ward off or defend against something, acting as a form of protection or guard.
6 Letters
SENTRY: A soldier stationed to prevent unauthorized entry, typically acting as a watchful guard.
WARDEN: A person responsible for the supervision or protection of something or someone, often a title for someone in charge of a prison.
SHIELD: To protect or defend someone or something, often implying the use of a physical barrier or an act of defense.
7 Letters
PROTECT: To keep safe from harm or injury; to defend, which is a primary function of a guard.
8 Letters
WATCHMAN: A person employed to guard a building or property, especially at night, focusing on observation and prevention.
More About "crossword clue guard"
The clue "guard" is a common yet versatile term in crosswords, often requiring solvers to consider various interpretations. It can refer to a person who stands guard, like a SENTRY or a WATCHMAN, highlighting their role in security and vigilance. Alternatively, it can denote the action of guarding, such as to PROTECT or DEFEND, emphasizing the act of safeguarding against harm or threat.
Understanding the context is key. Depending on the surrounding clues or the puzzle's theme, "guard" might even refer to a protective component, like a FENDER on a vehicle, or a more abstract concept of preservation. Crossword setters love to play on these multiple meanings, making it crucial for solvers to think beyond the most obvious answer.
Always consider the possibility of synonyms that fit different letter counts, as shown in the solutions above. Whether it's a verb like FEND or a noun like WARDEN, the richness of the English language provides many options for this seemingly simple clue.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Nuance: For "guard," consider if the clue implies a person, an action, or a thing. Sometimes, the tense or grammatical form of the clue hints at the type of answer needed (e.g., "to guard" suggests a verb).
- Check Intersecting Letters: Use any letters you've already filled in from crossing words. These are your most powerful allies in narrowing down the possibilities, especially when a clue like "guard" has multiple valid answers for the same length.
- Consider Common Crossword Synonyms: Familiarize yourself with words frequently used in crosswords for common concepts. For "guard," words like SENTRY, WARDEN, KEEPER, PROTECT, and SHIELD are recurrent.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Sometimes, the answer isn't a direct synonym but a related concept. Could "guard" refer to a basketball position, a train car, or a protective part of machinery? While less common for simple clues, it's worth considering for more challenging puzzles.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can the word 'guard' be interpreted in crosswords?
The word 'guard' is highly versatile in crosswords, often referring to a person (e.g., SENTRY, WARDEN, WATCHMAN), an action (e.g., PROTECT, DEFEND, SHIELD, FEND), or sometimes even a protective device or part (e.g., FENDER, RAIL). The specific meaning will depend heavily on the number of letters required and any intersecting letters you already have.
What are common synonyms for 'guard' used in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'guard' include KEEPER, SENTRY, WATCHMAN, WARDEN (for people), and PROTECT, DEFEND, SHIELD, FEND (for actions). Less common but possible are terms like FENCE (as a barrier), RAIL, or even COAT (as a protective layer).
How does clue length influence finding the answer for 'guard'?
The length of the required answer is one of the most crucial hints. For example, if you need a 4-letter word for 'guard', FEND is a strong candidate. If it's 6 letters, SENTRY, WARDEN, or SHIELD are common. For longer answers like 8 letters, WATCHMAN is a good fit. Always consider the length in conjunction with the context and any intersecting letters.