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

“China now regards North Korea as a strategic tool to safeguard its core national interests,” said Rhee Jung-kyun, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy in South Korea.

From The Wall Street Journal

Of the 38 vulnerable people safeguarded and referred to agencies, nine of them were children.

From BBC

Meta was last year ordered to step up safeguards on Facebook after scammers used images of top officials in impersonation schemes.

From Barron's

Taiwan, which was also named in the probes, said it would safeguard its interests based on the agreement it already reached with the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal

For Wesley Wark, a national security expert at the Center for International Governance Innovation, icebreaker fleets are a key part of the defense innovation required to safeguard Canada's position.

From Barron's

Related Words

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