safeguard
Americannoun
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something that serves as a protection or defense or that ensures safety.
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a permit for safe passage.
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a guard or convoy.
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a mechanical device for ensuring safety.
verb (used with object)
noun
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a person or thing that ensures protection against danger, damage, injury, etc
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a document authorizing safe-conduct
verb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of safeguard
1325–75; Middle English savegarde (noun) safe conduct < Middle French salvegarde, sauvegarde. See safe, guard
Explanation
A safeguard is a defense or precaution. You could describe a flu shot as a safeguard against getting sick, for example. Safeguards protect against something negative, whether it's an attacking army invading a country or a boy you don't like much asking you to the prom. A store's security system is a safeguard against theft, and a secret password is a safeguard against your sister reading your email. You can use it as a verb too: "We clearly need to safeguard our Halloween candy so Mom and Dad don't steal it after we go to bed."
Vocabulary lists containing safeguard
Declaration of the Rights of Woman (1791)
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Herbert Hoover on "Rugged Individualism" (1928)
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A Single Shard
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“To ensure we are aware of any off-site impacts, the emergency response team has deployed air monitors to support response efforts and safeguard public health,” the department said in a statement.
From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026
Nazeer said everyone involved in reality TV shows needed to be trained on how to safeguard against domestic abuse and assault, adding that independent organisations not paid by the production company should be involved.
From BBC • May 19, 2026
WSJ | Buy Side: See the top pet insurance companies to safeguard your wallet from pet medical bills.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026
General Al Jedid said the military drills would also demonstrate the army's capacity to "safeguard the interests of all Libyans".
From Barron's • May 17, 2026
In this way, he was able to safeguard the entire text from the authorities and smuggle it out when he was released in 1976.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
