guarded
adjective
[ ˈɡɑːdɪd ]
• cautious and having possible reservations.
• "he has given a guarded welcome to the idea"
Similar:
cautious,
careful,
circumspect,
wary,
chary,
reluctant,
non-committal,
reticent,
restrained,
reserved,
controlled,
moderate,
discreet,
unrevealing,
vague,
diplomatic,
prudent,
politic,
tactful,
with reservations,
cagey,
leery,
guard
verb
• watch over in order to protect or control.
• "two men were left to guard the stockade"
Similar:
protect,
stand guard over,
watch over,
look after,
keep an eye on,
take care of,
cover,
patrol,
police,
defend,
shield,
safeguard,
preserve,
save,
keep safe,
secure,
screen,
shelter,
fortify,
garrison,
barricade,
man,
occupy,
• protect against damage or harm.
• "the company fiercely guarded its independence"
Origin:
late Middle English (in the sense ‘care, custody’): from Old French garde (noun), garder (verb), of West Germanic origin. Compare with ward.
on guard
• on duty to protect or defend something.
• "security staff are permanently on guard"
