Faceguards

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A protective device worn to shield the face from injury or impact while engaging in sports or other activities
2. Used in combat sports to safeguard the facial area during matches or training sessions
3. Often made of durable materials, these items are essential for ensuring safety in various physically demanding environments

Etymology: "Faceguards" is the plural of "faceguard," a compound formed from "face" and "guard." Both parts are plain English words with Germanic roots: "face" came into English from Old French "face," from Latin "facies," meaning shape or appearance, while "guard" entered English from Old French "garder," itself of Germanic origin and related to the English verb "to ward." Joined together, the compound describes a literal shield for the face, whether a sports mask, a fencing mask, or a visor of some kind. Because the compound is transparent, it needs little explanation: each element keeps its everyday sense, and the meaning follows directly from putting them together. The plural simply adds the usual "-s" to the noun.

Synonyms: face shields, masks, visors, guards