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rearguard

American

[reer-gahrd] / ˈrɪərˌgɑrd /

Or rear-guard

adjective

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

a rearguard strategy.

rearguard British

/ ˈrɪəˌɡɑːd /

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of rearguard

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

When they do come to bat, it will take a remarkable rearguard to avoid a fourth defeat of a desperately disappointing series.

From BBC • Jan. 6, 2026

They pushed Arsenal close with their rearguard action at Emirates Stadium last weekend, but still lost in the end.

From BBC • Dec. 18, 2025

From there it was the Warriors' rearguard which decided the outcome.

From BBC • Oct. 3, 2025

Crosses into the box, shots from distance, physical confrontations, a rearguard action - he revelled in it.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2025

The cart moved off with Matthias positioned on the back providing a rearguard.

From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023