guard vs follow

guard is a noun but follow is not a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
guard	Yes	No	Yes	No
follow	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, follow is a hypernym of guard; that is, follow is a word with a broader meaning than guard:

Other hypernyms of guard include keep an eye on, observe, watch, watch over.

guard (noun)	follow (noun)
a position on a basketball team
the duty of serving as a sentry
(American football) a position on the line of scrimmage between the center and the tackles
a precautionary measure warding off impending danger or damage or injury etc.
a device designed to prevent injury or accidents
a posture of defence in boxing or fencing
a military unit serving to protect some place or person
the person who lines up between the center and the tackles on the offensive line of a football team on the line of scrimmage
a person who keeps watch over something or someone
the person who plays the position of guard on a basketball team

guard (verb)	follow (verb)
watch over or shield from danger or harm; protect	behave in accordance or in agreement with
protect against a challenge or attack	keep informed
to keep watch over	keep to
take precautions in order to avoid some unwanted consequence	follow, discover, or ascertain the course of development of something
	grasp the meaning
	imitate in behavior; take as a model
	perform an accompaniment to
	to travel behind, go after, come after
	travel along a certain course
	follow in or as if in pursuit
	keep under surveillance
	choose and follow; as of theories, ideas, policies, strategies or plans
	to subscribe to someone's updates on social media
	to be subscribed to updates from another user on social media
	act in accordance with someone's rules, commands, or wishes
	be the successor (of)
	follow with the eyes or the mind
	work in a specific place, with a specific subject, or in a specific function
	accept and follow the leadership or command or guidance of
	adhere to or practice
	be later in time
	come after in time, as a result
	be next
	to bring something about at a later time than
	to be the product or result
	come as a logical consequence; follow logically