French word

arrière-garde

Pronunciation

IPA/aʁjɛʁgaʁd/

Meaning

  • feminine nounrearguard

Example

L'arrière-garde protège les soldats.

The rearguard protects the soldiers.

Illustration for arrière-garde (rearguard)

More examples

Dans le débat, l'arrière-garde du parti s'oppose aux réformes.

In the debate, the party's rear guard opposes reforms.

Core concept

A rear detachment holding off danger while the rest of the troops withdraw.

Common phrases

  • faire partie de l'arrière-garde

    be part of the rear guard

  • l'arrière-garde du parti

    the party's rear guard

Similar words

arrière: The part at the back of an object or place.
derrière: The back part of a person's or animal's body, especially the buttocks.

Definition in French

Groupe chargé de protéger l'arrière d'une troupe en mouvement, notamment pour couvrir la retraite.

Word origin

French formed arrière-garde from the meaningful elements arrière and garde as a military term for rear protection.

Usage tips

  • The word strongly suggests military or figurative conflict, while ordinary physical location usually uses derrière or à l'arrière.

Opposites

Related words

  • arrière-gardisteconservativeadjective

Word lists with this word