Definition
To put something away in a safe or proper place; also, to keep or save something for later.
Example
Você pode guardar as compras na geladeira, por favor?
Show translation
Can you put the groceries away in the fridge, please?
Etymology
From Old Portuguese *guardar*, borrowed from Frankish *wardōn* ("to watch over, guard"), via Vulgar Latin. Cognate with Spanish *guardar*, French *garder*, and Italian *guardare*. The root idea of "keeping watch" over something evolved into the modern sense of storing or saving it safely.
Cultural note
In Brazilian daily speech, *guardar* is the go-to word for tidying up: a parent telling a child "guarda seus brinquedos!" ("put your toys away!") is a classic household phrase. Note that it does NOT mean "to look at" in Brazilian Portuguese, even though its Italian cognate *guardare* does — a classic false friend for Italian learners.