guarded

[ gahr-did ]

adjective

1. cautious; careful; prudent:

   to be guarded in one's speech.

   Synonyms: vigilant, circumspect, chary, watchful, wary

2. protected, watched, or restrained, as by a guard.

guarded

/ ˈɡɑːdɪd /

adjective

1. protected or kept under surveillance
2. prudent, restrained, or noncommittal

   a guarded reply

Derived Forms

• ˈguardedly, adverb
• ˈguardedness, noun

Other Words From

• guarded·ly adverb
• guarded·ness noun
• self-guarded adjective
• well-guarded adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of guarded¹

First recorded in 1500–10; guard + -ed ²

Example Sentences

Despite the success, much of the television personality's personal life was tightly guarded from the public.

From Salon

It is also common for followers to touch these statues for blessings - meaning they are also rarely guarded - leaving them wide open for thieves.

From BBC

The claim attributed that account to an anonymous letter sent to the family’s lawyer and separately to a reporter for The Times and The Desert Sun, containing those closely guarded details.

From Los Angeles Times

A simple trip to a friendly local restaurant was carefully guarded by a line of security personnel.

From BBC

As much as Ohtani revealed about himself in the game, he remained his typical guarded disposition in his postgame news conference.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cautious
• circumspect
• reserved
• restrained