rearguard

or rear-guard

[ reer-gahrd ]

adjective

1. of or relating to a rear guard.
2. designed to oppose or prevent in a defensive way:

   a rearguard strategy.

rearguard

/ ˈrɪəˌɡɑːd /

noun

1. a detachment detailed to protect the rear of a military formation, esp in retreat
2. an entrenched or conservative element, as in a political party
3. rearguard action
   1. an action fought by a rearguard
   2. a defensive action undertaken to try to stop something happening or continuing

Word History and Origins

Origin of rearguard¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; attributive use of rear guard

Word History and Origins

Origin of rearguard¹

C15: from Old French rereguarde (modern French arrière-garde ), from rer , from Latin retro back + guarde guard ; compare vanguard

Example Sentences

It will be a rearguard action from the off by Saints - but they will end up losing.

From BBC

FDR, Harry Truman, JFK, LBJ and MLK deployed their dominance skills to crush Hitler, halt Stalin, slap down bigots like Charles Coughlin, George Wallace, and Barry Goldwater and enact practically every piece of progressive legislation that the Democrats are fighting a rearguard action to salvage today.

From Salon

McLaren have had the fastest car for some time, and Verstappen has been fighting a rearguard battle as Norris has eaten into his lead every race since Dutch Grand Prix in late August.

From BBC

BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty called Arsenal "streetwise", while boss Mikel Arteta described their rearguard display in the 2-2 draw - having had Leandro Trossard sent off just before half-time with the Londoners leading 2-1 at Etihad Stadium - "a miracle".

From BBC

It changed the entire emphasis for the visitors, who had to revert to a rearguard action after overturning City’s lead and taking control.

From BBC