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

"That safeguard is essential for families," she says.

From BBC

No one in a position to insist on safeguards actually knew how they would perform under stress.

From Barron's

An Anthropic spokeswoman said the change is intended to help the company compete with several rivals against an uneven policy backdrop that puts the onus on companies to make their own judgments about safeguards.

From The Wall Street Journal

The spokesman also said the independent review would explore "how we can go even further to toughen up the safeguards in place against illicit money from abroad", including cryptocurrencies.

From BBC

It also suggested legal reforms to safeguard religious freedom in Nigeria.

From BBC

Related Words

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