If you describe someone as guarded, you mean that they are careful not to show their feelings or give away information.
The boy gave him a guarded look.
In the office, Dr. Lahey seemed less guarded, more relaxed.
Synonyms: cautious, reserved, careful, suspicious More Synonyms of guarded
guardedlyadverb [usually ADVERB with verb, ADVERB adjective]
'I am happy, so far,' he says guardedly.
They are guardedly optimistic that the market is on the road to recovery.
guarded in British English
(ˈɡɑːdɪd)
adjective
1.
protected or kept under surveillance
2.
prudent, restrained, or noncommittal
a guarded reply
Derived forms
guardedly (ˈguardedly)
adverb
guardedness (ˈguardedness)
noun
guarded in American English
(ˈgɑrdɪd)
adjective
1.
kept safe; watched over and protected; defended
2.
kept from escape or trouble; held in check; supervised
3.
cautious; noncommittal
a guarded reply
4. US
serious and of uncertain prognosis
a patient in guarded condition
Derived forms
guardedly (ˈguardedly)
adverb
Examples of 'guarded' in a sentence
guarded
She was once so open and carefree and is now far more guarded.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
But there are times when their judgements are less guarded and less historically limited.
The Times Literary Supplement (2013)
Backstage the four stars have trailers next to each other in a guarded compound.
The Sun (2014)
This guarded optimism buoyed the usual sectors that tend to fare better amid an appetite for risk.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Some fans have warmed to giving him a chance but it is guarded optimism.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
These reports are a guarded secret between the production staff.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
And my note of guarded optimism?
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
He watched the swans for 45 days so they would become less guarded when he was there.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
He lives in retirement in a guarded compound in Tbilisi.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
In reality, the actress is far more guarded.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
He has a guarded look, and says he has meetings to go to.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
She may pour her heart out in her songs, but in person she is far more guarded.
The Sun (2012)
When they're first in the spotlight, a person is untainted and a bit less guarded.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Instead they live out their days in the rescue centre, eating and sleeping in a guarded compound and acting as counsellors to other traumatised victims.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
It ended with good intentions all round and guarded optimism and the usual call for more investment in research; more planning for an increasingly aged population.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
But, as is so often the case here, something has emerged from the grey area that might provide cause for guarded optimism.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
In other languages
guarded
British English: guarded ADJECTIVE
If you describe someone as guarded, you mean that they are careful not to show their feelings or give away information.
The boy gave him a guarded look.
American English: guarded
Brazilian Portuguese: cauteloso
Chinese: 谨慎的
European Spanish: cauteloso
French: circonspect
German: zurückhaltend
Italian: guardingo
Japanese: 用心深い
Korean: 조심성 있는
European Portuguese: cauteloso
Latin American Spanish: cauteloso
Chinese translation of 'guarded'
guarded
(ˈɡɑːdɪd)
adj
[person, statement]谨(謹)慎的 (jǐnshèn de)
[optimism]有保留的 (yǒu bǎoliú de)
a closely guarded secret一个(個)严(嚴)格保守的秘(祕)密 (yī gè yángé bǎoshǒu de mìmì)
the entrance was heavily guarded入口处(處)戒备(備)森严(嚴) (rùkǒuchù jièbèi sēnyán)