safeguard

1 of 2

noun

safe·guard ˈsāf-ˌgärd

Synonyms of safeguard next

: pass, safe-conduct

: convoy, escort

: a precautionary measure, stipulation, or device

: a technical contrivance to prevent accident

safeguard

2 of 2

verb

safeguarded; safeguarding; safeguards

transitive verb

: to provide a safeguard for

: to make safe : protect

Choose the Right Synonym for safeguard

defend, protect, shield, guard, safeguard mean to keep secure from danger or against attack.

defend denotes warding off actual or threatened attack.

defend the country

protect implies the use of something (such as a covering) as a bar to the admission or impact of what may attack or injure.

a hard hat to protect your head

shield suggests protective intervention in imminent danger or actual attack.

shielded her eyes from the sun with her hand

guard implies protecting with vigilance and force against expected danger.

White House entrances are well guarded

safeguard implies taking precautionary protective measures against merely possible danger.

our civil liberties must be safeguarded

Examples of safeguard in a Sentence

Noun The new law has safeguards to protect the rights of citizens. There are many safeguards built into the system to prevent fraud. Verb laws that safeguard the rights of citizens You need to safeguard your computer against viruses. There are steps you can take to safeguard against identity theft.

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Noun

Designing a seamless and secure digital payment process is essential to meet customer demands and safeguard transactions. —

Expert Panel®, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 All the while, the Constitution's safeguards remain steadfast. —

David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

Verb

Massachusetts’ reporting requirements distinguish it from other states by providing greater visibility into workforce demographics while safeguarding individual employer data. —

Alonzo Martinez, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024 My office will continue to be vigilant in safeguarding our natural resources for all to enjoy. —

Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for safeguard

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English saufgarde, from Anglo-French, from sauf safe + garde guard

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1501, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of safeguard was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Safeguard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/safeguard. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

safeguard

1 of 2 noun

safe·guard ˈsāf-ˌgärd

: something that protects and gives safety : defense

safeguard

2 of 2 verb

: to make safe or secure : protect

Last Updated: 26 Nov 2024 - Updated example sentences

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safeguard

noun

verb

Synonyms

Examples of safeguard in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near safeguard

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition