safeguard
SAYF-gahd
Safeguard (noun) means something put in place to protect against harm or risk. Example: “The new law includes safeguards to protect consumer data.”
noun
1
Something put in place to protect against harm or risk.
"The new law includes safeguards to protect consumer data."
verb
1
To protect or keep something safe from harm.
"The company added extra security to safeguard customers' passwords."
"New rules were introduced to safeguard endangered species."
How to use safeguard
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA protection or measure taken to prevent harm — or the act of putting that protection in place.
Common pairings
safeguard against
financial safeguards
safeguard the future
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Word forms
- Plural
- safeguards
- Third person singular
- safeguards
- Past tense
- safeguarded
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The new law includes _____ to protect consumer data.
Etymology
From Old French sauve garde, literally "safe guard" — built from safe + guard.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for safeguard
See all rhymes for safeguard →Frequently asked questions
What does “safeguard” mean?
The word “safeguard” means something put in place to protect against harm or risk. In plain terms, a protection or measure taken to prevent harm — or the act of putting that protection in place.
How do you pronounce “safeguard”?
“Safeguard” is pronounced SAYF-gahd (/ˈseɪfɡɑɹd/ in IPA).
How do you use “safeguard” in a sentence?
Here is “safeguard” used in a sentence: “The new law includes safeguards to protect consumer data.”
What part of speech is “safeguard”?
Depending on how it is used, “safeguard” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “safeguard” come from?
The word “safeguard” comes from Old French. From Old French sauve garde, literally "safe guard" — built from safe + guard.
Is “safeguard” a common word?
“Safeguard” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “safeguard” have?
“Safeguard” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: something put in place to protect against harm or risk.
What is the difference between a safeguard and a guarantee?
A safeguard is something put in place to protect against harm or risk, reducing the chance of a problem occurring, while a guarantee is a firm assurance or promise that something will happen or be provided. A safeguard lowers risk without promising a specific outcome, whereas a guarantee is a binding commitment.
What does it mean to 'safeguard' something?
To safeguard something means to protect or keep it safe from harm, using the verb sense of the word. This can apply to physical property, information, or vulnerable people, as in 'safeguard your data' or 'safeguard children's welfare.'
What does 'safeguarding' mean in a UK professional context?
In the UK, safeguarding commonly refers to formal policies and procedures designed to protect vulnerable people, especially children and adults at risk, from harm or abuse. It draws on the core meaning of safeguard as protection put in place against risk, applied specifically within institutions like schools and healthcare settings.
