guard duty

• Tâche ou mission consistant à surveiller un lieu, une personne ou une chose pour le protéger contre un danger, un vol ou un accès non autorisé.

A task or assignment involving watching over a place, person, or thing to protect it from danger, theft, or unauthorized access.

1. Military or security assignmentB1formal

   A period of time during which a person is assigned to watch over a place, person, or thing to ensure safety and security.

   garde

   • The soldier was assigned guard duty at the main gate.
   • He fell asleep while on guard duty and was reprimanded.
   • Guard duty requires constant vigilance and attention.

2. Responsibility or watchfulnessB2informal

   A figurative period of being responsible for protecting something or someone.

   veille vigilante

   • As the project manager, she felt like she was on guard duty for the entire team.
   • Parents are always on guard duty when their children are young.
   • He took on the guard duty of watching over the company's reputation.