Unguard

Part of speech: verb, noun

Definitions

1. To take away protection or defense from someone or something ; to cease maintaining caution or vigilance, allowing vulnerability
2. To discard or withdraw a form of security or safeguard ; to relax watchfulness and become exposed to potential harm
3. To lift or eliminate a guard or safeguard from an area or person ; to let down one's guard by no longer staying alert or cautious

Etymology: "Unguard" is a plain formation: the prefix "un-", meaning "not" or "reverse of," attached to "guard." Guard itself came into English from Old French "garder" (to watch over, protect), a word of Germanic origin that also gave English "warden" and "ward." The prefix reverses the sense, so to unguard something is to remove the watch or shield that was protecting it. The verb usually carries two shades. Its literal sense is taking away a physical defense, as when a gate is unlatched or a weapon is lowered. Its more common figurative sense is letting one's attention or caution slip, leaving a person open to attack or harm. The two meanings sit close together, which is why an unguarded moment can describe either a momentary lapse of attention or a truly exposed position.

Synonyms: expose, unprotect, uncover

Antonyms: guard, protect, defend, shield