rearguard
/ˈrɪrɡɑrd/
adjective
- Relating to or characteristic of a rearguard; defensive or protective of a losing or declining position.
- She led a rearguard effort to save the historic building from demolition.
- The rearguard action delayed the enemy long enough for the civilians to escape.
- The team's rearguard strategy kept them in the game until the final minutes.
noun
- A group of soldiers that protects the back of an army, especially during a retreat.
- The general ordered the rearguard to stay behind and cover the escape route.
- The rearguard held off the enemy while the main army crossed the river.
- During the retreat, the rearguard fought bravely to slow down the pursuing forces.
- A person or group that defends or supports something that is losing or declining, often in a stubborn or determined way.
- The veteran politician became the rearguard of traditional values in the party.
- The small team acted as a rearguard for the company's fading reputation.
- Environmentalists formed a rearguard to protect the old forest from development.
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