safeguard

1 of 2

noun

safe·​guard ˈsāf-ˌgärd 

1

a

: pass, safe-conduct

b

: convoy, escort

2

a

: a precautionary measure, stipulation, or device

b

: a technical contrivance to prevent accident

safeguard

2 of 2

verb

safeguarded; safeguarding; safeguards

transitive verb

1

: to provide a safeguard for

2

: to make safe : protect

Synonyms

Noun

• protection
• defense
• shield
• ammunition

Verb

• protect
• defend

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

Noun

Companies that host or enable these tools must now consider stronger safeguards and faster takedown systems. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2025

The extension can display the pop-ups since users must agree to give it permission to read and change data, although the software has been designed with safeguards to prevent user surveillance or excessive data collection. —PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025

Verb

In late April, the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution formally calling on county officials to ensure access to services at the Milwaukee County Courthouse complex and safeguard individuals' right to due process. —Vanessa Swales, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 2025

British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard told Fox News Digital the Prince and Princess of Wales, who represent the British royal family’s future, are more determined than ever to safeguard that legacy while supporting King Charles III. —Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2025

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

Rhymes for safeguard

• bodyguard
• boulevard
• disregard
• asgard
• backyard
• barnyard
• blackguard
• bombard
• brickyard
• canard
• churchyard
• coastguard

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