Protectors (9)
'protectors' is the definition.
(guard is a kind of protector)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for guards that I've seen before include "Sentries" , "Watches over and protects" , "Defends" , "Protection" , "They protect" .)
'protectors' is the definition.
('defender' can be a synonym of 'protector')
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for defenders that I've seen before include "Guardians, protectors" , "They support" .)