護衛

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 護衛 (ごえい) combines protection 護 and guarding 衛 to denote an escort or guard.
• Basic usage: It applies to a unit protecting important cargo and guards watching around a king's gate.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Protection is the central purpose
  • 護衛する may involve armed personnel, but its defining role is safeguarding the protected person or object.