WordGarden.iosafeguard
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈeɪfɡɑːd/
US
- /ˈseɪfˌɡɑrd/
Meanings
Noun
a measure or feature that protects against harm or problems
Verb
to protect someone or something from harm or damage
Beyond the definition
To safeguard something means to protect it from harm or damage. Think of a knight safeguarding a castle - they are actively defending it. We safeguard our valuables with locks, and we safeguard our health by eating well and exercising. It means taking preventive steps to keep something safe. You might safeguard your future by saving money, or safeguard sensitive information with strong passwords.
The word suggests a deliberate effort to keep something safe - it is more than just hoping for the best; it is actively working to prevent harm. It can be used literally (a fence safeguards a yard) or figuratively (laws safeguard our rights).
Imagine a precious heirloom, carefully wrapped and stored in a secure vault. That act of protection - that is safeguarding. To safeguard something is to take steps to protect it from potential harm, loss, damage, or danger. It is about proactively ensuring its preservation and well-being.
Originally, "safeguard" referred to the protection provided by a guard or watchman - hence the "safe" part of the word. Over time, it broadened to encompass any protective measure. You might safeguard your computer with antivirus software, safeguard endangered species through conservation efforts, or even safeguard your reputation by acting ethically.
The context often dictates what's being protected. In finance, safeguarding assets means protecting them from fraud or loss. In health, it means taking precautions to prevent illness. Legally, safeguards are rules and regulations designed to protect rights and freedoms.
You'll also see "safeguard" used as a noun: "a safeguard against theft." This refers to the protective measure itself - the lock on the door, the security system, or the legal provision.
So whether it's physical possessions, abstract concepts like freedom, or even your own well-being, to safeguard is to actively defend and preserve something valuable from potential harm. It is a word about foresight, protection, and taking responsibility for what matters most.
Examples
- 1
Document protection
Always keep a copy of your passport online as a safeguard against losing the original.
- Patternas a safeguard against + risk
to reduce the risk of it
- 2
Data privacy
The company put extra safeguards in place before collecting customers' personal data.
- Phraseput safeguards in place
establish protective measures
- 3
Worker protection
The new law includes safeguards for workers who report safety problems.
- 4
Child safety
Schools have a duty to safeguard children from online harm.
- Patternsafeguard someone from + harm
protect them from it
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Basic rights
The court said the policy did not do enough to safeguard basic rights.
- 6
Remaining risk
Even with several safeguards in place, human error can still cause problems.
See also
Similar
- protection
- precaution
- security measure
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- safeguard against abuse
- privacy safeguards
- built-in safeguard
- constitutional safeguards
Word family
Explore
- risk management
- due process
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- safeguardnounverb
Forms
- safeguardspluralnounverb
- safeguarding-ing formverbnoun
- safeguardedpast tenseverbnoun