rearguard
rearguard Lexical Profile
rearguard Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Relating to a defensive or last-ditch effort to resist an impending defeat, loss, or unwelcome change.
"The board members fought a rearguard battle to block the corporate merger, though the deal was nearly finalized."
• noun
A detachment of troops stationed at the back of an army to protect it from surprise attack, especially during a retreat.
"Historians noted how the small rearguard delayed the advancing forces long enough for the main expedition to cross the mountain pass."
A group of people who staunchly defend an established custom, policy, or position against change or reform.
"Traditionalists within the academy formed a vocal rearguard against revising the classic curriculum."
Word Nuance & Usage
Often used attributively in the phrase 'rearguard action' to describe a determined last-ditch effort to prevent an undesirable change that is already nearly inevitable.
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 15th century from Anglo-French reregard and Old French arriere-garde, combining arriere ('behind, backward') and garde ('guard').
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.