n. the imposition of duties or quotas on imports in order to protect domestic industry against foreign competition; "he made trade protection a plank in the party platform"

n. (military) military action or resources protecting a country against potential enemies; "they died in the defense of Stalingrad"; "they were developed for the defense program"

n. the rite of staying awake for devotional purposes (especially on the eve of a religious festival)

n. the force of policemen and officers; "the law came looking for him"

n. a police officer of the lowest rank

n. a policeman who patrols a given region

n. a person who keeps watch over something or someone

n. a soldier who is a member of a unit called `the guard' or `guards'

n. a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event

n. a member of a police force; "it was an accident, officer"

n. a woman policeman

n. the period during which someone (especially a guard) is on duty

n. close observation of a person or group (usually by the police)

n. close observation of a person or group (usually by the police)

n. attention to what is seen; "he tried to catch her eye"

n. facts learned by observing; "he reported his observations to the mayor"

n. the process of paying close and continuous attention; "wakefulness, watchfulness, and bellicosity make a good hunter"; "vigilance is especially susceptible to fatigue"

n. a group that goes through a region at regular intervals for the purpose of security

n. a group that goes through a region at regular intervals for the purpose of security

n. the party appointed by a probate court to distribute the estate of someone who dies without a will or without naming an executor

n. someone who escorts and protects a prominent person

n. an investigator engaged or employed in obtaining information not easily available to the public

n. a person appointed by a testator to carry out the terms of the will

n. a worker employed to apply spots (as markers or identifiers)

n. a worker employed to apply spots (as markers or identifiers)

n. someone who guards prisoners

n. someone who guards prisoners

n. a person who keeps watch over something or someone

n. a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event

n. an escort who rides ahead (as a member of the vanguard)

n. a Boy Scout or Girl Scout

n. a person (or institution) to whom legal title to property is entrusted to use for another's benefit

n. a person who works in a prison and is in charge of prisoners

n. a person who works in a prison and is in charge of prisoners

n. a substance that exerts some force or effect

n. a substance that exerts some force or effect

n. a forceful forward rush or flow; "from the bow she stared at the mesmerising onrush of the sea where it split and foamed"; "the explosion interrupted the wild onrush of her thoughts"