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

They've generally chosen to try to manage the US president, often in an attempt to safeguard bilateral relations, rather than stand up individually or together, and risk confronting the US president and facing potential consequences.

From BBC

She said Malibu’s location at the base of coastal mountains requires the city to safeguard homes from hazards such as landslides and tidal erosion, which takes additional time.

From The Wall Street Journal

Even small companies are bulking up their efforts to safeguard top brass.

From The Wall Street Journal

"We've identified lapses in safeguards and are urgently fixing them," Grok said on X.

From Barron's

There are fewer safeguards in place to prevent people from exploiting their inside knowledge on Polymarket.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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