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

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman on Monday said China would take measures to safeguard its energy security, but didn’t say whether it would release any of its oil reserves to help stabilize the oil market.

From The Wall Street Journal

Other MSPs have raised concerns over safeguarding and potential coercion of terminally ill people.

From BBC

We put this to safeguarding minister Jess Phillips, who acknowledged there was "room for improvement" and said she was working with the Department for Education to look at "what therapeutic support children might need".

From BBC

The government is finally getting serious about safeguarding its supply of critical minerals.

From Barron's

"We don't allow children to walk into bars or bottle shops, adult stores or casinos, but when it comes to online spaces... there are no such safeguards," Julie Inman Grant said.

From BBC

Related Words

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