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

While OBR staff thought they had applied safeguards to prevent early publication, there were two errors in the way in which they were set up on the publishing platform WordPress that effectively bypassed these controls.

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There’s a lot you can do to safeguard your father’s finances.

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"We have clear directives and priorities: safeguarding Ukrainian interests, ensuring substantive dialogue, and advancing on the basis of the progress achieved in Geneva," Umerov wrote on X.

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"We are also banning Sim farms. Banning these devices used to send thousands of scam texts will close down a key tool for criminals and safeguard consumers," it says.

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Now, a French maritime police spokesperson says officers will start intervening at sea, with the aim of safeguarding human life.

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Related Words

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