safeguard

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.

“Safeguard” is pronounced SAYF-gahd (/ˈseɪfɡɑɹd/ in IPA).

Here is “safeguard” used in a sentence: “The new law includes safeguards to protect consumer data.”

Depending on how it is used, “safeguard” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “safeguard” comes from Old French. From Old French sauve garde, literally "safe guard" — built from safe + guard.

“Safeguard” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Safeguard” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: something put in place to protect against harm or risk.

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.

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.'

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.