guardrail

American  

[gahrd-reyl] / ˈgɑrdˌreɪl /

noun

1. Also guardrailing. a protective railing, rail, railing, as along a road or stairway.

2. Railroads. a rail laid parallel to a track to prevent derailment or to keep derailed rolling stock from leaving the roadbed.

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guardrail British  

/ ˈɡɑːdˌreɪl /

noun

1. a railing at the side of a staircase, road, etc, as a safety barrier

2. Also called (Brit): checkrail.  railways a short metal rail fitted to the inside of the main rail to provide additional support in keeping a train's wheels on the track

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Etymology

Origin of guardrail

First recorded in 1825–35; guard + rail ¹

Example Sentences

“These markets make sure that we get it right—and I think it’s very important to protect that here in the United States with the right guardrails.”

From The Wall Street Journal

And the U.S., for now anyway, still has a constitutional government with rules and guardrails.

From MarketWatch

Safety standards—seat belts, guardrails and traffic laws—evolved alongside adoption.

From The Wall Street Journal

Sir Demis said it was important to build "robust guardrails" against the most serious threats from the rise of autonomous systems.

From BBC

At the Fed, Bowman has moved to slash staff and erect guardrails against what she describes as “abusive” supervisory practices.

From The Wall Street Journal