Lifeguard

Alternative forms

• life-guard dated

Origin

From life + guard. Compare German Leibgarde ("bodyguard"), Danish livgarde ("bodyguard"), Swedish livgarde ("bodyguard"). Compare also Old English līfweard ("guardian of life").

Full definition of lifeguard

Noun

1. A guard of the life or person; a guard that attends a prince or other person; a bodyguard.
2. (chiefly US) An attendant, usually an expert swimmer, employed to save swimmers in trouble or near drowning at a body of water.
3. A lifesaver.
4. (rail transport) A sturdy metal bracket fixed in front of each of the leading wheels of a train to deflect small objects away from the wheels to prevent derailment.