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

Brokerage firms, credit unions and banks all have a duty of care to safeguard the funds for the account owner and, in the event of their death, for the beneficiaries of the accounts.

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"To safeguard sensitive operational information, we will not comment any further on the details," it added in a statement.

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When the seed bank first opened, it was seen as a doomsday vault - a back-up store of seeds to safeguard wild plants from extinction.

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But Mr Done argues that UK-based, High Street betting shops provide better safeguards for people with gambling problems, as well as tax revenues, than online and offshore rivals.

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It read: "Our consistent priority to safeguard the interests of the Indian consumer in a volatile energy scenario. Our import policies are guided entirely by this objective."

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Related Words

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