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

The researchers urge further investigation of this region, along with careful marine spatial planning and protective measures to safeguard the site.

Read more on Science Daily

"We are the true digital natives and we want to remain educated, robust, and savvy in our digital world... They should protect kids with safeguards, not silence."

Read more on BBC

"On my tour I am hearing people talk about their concern that the hard-won gains over the years of safeguarding citizenship may be lost as a result of this type of rhetoric," he added.

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The Church of England has revealed the deadline for a safeguarding review into the Tudor case has been put back to early next year, because of what it said was "new police information".

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In a pointed historical parallel, Xi also asserted that since China and the U.S. “fought side-by-side against fascism and militarism” during World War II, they should now work together to safeguard those achievements.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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