Guarded Meaning and Definition
Guarded
Pronunciation
/ˈɡɑrdɪd/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A defensive or cautious way of living or behaving, often in response to perceived threats or dangers.
Examples
- She’s been living a guarded life since the scandal.
- He’s become very guarded after the breakup.
Synonyms
- Defensive
- Cautious
- Protective
Antonyms
- Open
- Trusting
- Reckless
Etymology
From Old French guarder, from Latin guardare, to watch over.
Usage Notes
Guarded can be used to describe an individual’s behavior, but it can also be used to describe a state of being or a feeling.
Cultural References
Guarded has been used in various forms of media, such as literature, film, and television.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- A guarded smile
- Guarded hopes
Related Words or Phrases
- Defensive
- Cautious
- Protective
Collocations
- Guarded secrets
- Guarded emotions
Frequency of Use
Guarded is a relatively common word in modern language, especially in contexts related to personal relationships, safety, or caution.
Common Misspellings
- Gerbera
- Guared