safeguard

²safeguard

verb

Definition of SAFEGUARD

transitive verb

1

: to provide a safeguard for

2

: to make safe : protect

Examples of SAFEGUARD

1. laws that safeguard the rights of citizens
2. You need to safeguard your computer against viruses.
3. There are steps you can take to safeguard against identity theft.

First Known Use of SAFEGUARD

15th century

Related to SAFEGUARD

Synonyms: bulwark, cover, fence, fend, forfend, guard, keep, protect, defend, screen, secure, shield, ward

Antonyms: assail, assault, attack

Related Words: avert, prevent; oppose, resist, withstand; battle, contend, fight, war; conserve, preserve, save; buffer, palisade, picket, wall

Near Antonyms: bombard, storm; beset, besiege, overrun; capitulate, cave, submit, yield

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See Synonym Discussion at defend