guarding

To protect from danger; to secure against surprise, attack, or injury; to keep in safety; to defend.

To keep watch over, in order to prevent escape or restrain from acts of violence, or the like.

“Guard the prisoner.”

To watch by way of caution or defense; to be caution; to be in a state or position of defense or safety.

“Careful people guard against mistakes.”

To protect the edge of, especially with an ornamental border; hence, to face or ornament with lists, laces, etc.

To fasten by binding; to gird.

Tensing of the muscles, especially of the abdomen, in order to minimise the movement and agitation to the internal inflamed organs.