safeguard

American  

[seyf-gahrd] / ˈseɪfˌgɑrd /

noun

1. something that serves as a protection or defense or that ensures safety.

2. a permit for safe passage.

3. a guard or convoy.

4. a mechanical device for ensuring safety.

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verb (used with object)

1. to guard; protect; secure.

   Synonyms:

   shield, defend

safeguard British  

/ ˈseɪfˌɡɑːd /

noun

1. a person or thing that ensures protection against danger, damage, injury, etc

2. a document authorizing safe-conduct

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verb

1. (tr) to defend or protect

Other Word Forms

• unsafeguarded adjective

Etymology

Origin of safeguard

1325–75; Middle English savegarde (noun) safe conduct < Middle French salvegarde, sauvegarde. See safe, guard

Example Sentences

She added: "One of the UKBJJA's missions for 2026 is to educate our coaches and strengthen safeguarding practices at all member academies."

From BBC

For journalists, activists and anyone who values privacy, this added layer of protection is a real safeguard against government surveillance and censorship.

From Salon

This retained the safeguard of a human radiologist reviewing each case, while maximising the potential gains from the use of technology.

From BBC

Companies may tell you, for example, that they encrypt biometric data, but they may not tell you the details, so there’s no way to tell how strong their safeguards are.

From The Wall Street Journal

The company told AFP at the time that it "respects the opt-out mechanisms and deploys safeguards" against including copyrighted material.

From Barron's

Related Words

• assure
• conserve
• defend
• ensure
• insure
• look after
• preserve
• secure
• shield