safeguard

[seyf-gahrd]

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.

verb (used with object)

1. to guard; protect; secure.

   Synonyms: shield, defend

safeguard

/ ˈseɪfˌɡɑːd /

noun

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

2. a document authorizing safe-conduct

verb

1. (tr) to defend or protect

Other Word Forms

• unsafeguarded adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of safeguard¹

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

Example Sentences

McDonald’s said it is paying heed to game integrity, and noted the current version of Monopoly has been created with safeguards and security protocols to ensure fairness.

Read more on MarketWatch

“Well-established copyright law safeguards the rights of creators and applies here.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

What Democrats propose in the face of growing economic inequity are more jobs, a higher minimum wage, support for workers to unionize and better social safeguards.

Read more on Salon

The Diocese of East Anglia said it had cooperated fully with police and safeguarding authorities.

Read more on BBC

A private school was "not in any way causative" in the death of a girl who had anxiety but its use of a safeguarding system was a cause for concern, a coroner said.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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