rearguard

Meaning

1. (attributive, often) The rearmost part of a force, especially a detachment of troops that protect the rear of a retreating force.
2. (attributive, often) The defence, collectively the defenders.

Opposite of

vanguard

Synonyms

rear

rear guard

defence

rear-guard

Translations

achterhoede

arrière-garde

retroguardia

Nachhut

retaguardia

retaguarda

rereguarda

destacamento que protege a retaguarda de um exército

hintertreffen

artçı

οπισθοφυλακή

arrière garde

arrière‐garde

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈɹɪəɹˌɡɑɹd/

Etymology

From rear + guard. Attested in The Song of Roland c. 1150 (rereguarde). Doublet of retrogarde.