bodyguard
UK: ˈbɒdiɡɑːd | US: ˈbɑːdiɡɑːrd
n. a person or group of people employed to protect someone from harm or attack
n. (figurative) something that serves as a protective barrier or defense
The word "bodyguard" emerged in the early 18th century, combining "body" (from Old English "bodig," meaning the physical structure of a person) and "guard" (from Old French "garder," meaning to protect). The term originally referred to a group of soldiers assigned to protect a monarch or high-ranking official, emphasizing the literal guarding of the "body." Over time, it expanded to include personal protectors for civilians, retaining its core logic of physical defense.
The celebrity hired two bodyguards for her world tour.
The president's bodyguard remained alert during the public event.
Thick armor acts as a bodyguard for the tank crew.
His loyal dog served as an unofficial bodyguard.
The security team functioned as a bodyguard for the valuable artwork.