safeguard
Americannoun
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something that serves as a protection or defense or that ensures safety.
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a permit for safe passage.
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a guard or convoy.
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a mechanical device for ensuring safety.
verb (used with object)
noun
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a person or thing that ensures protection against danger, damage, injury, etc
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a document authorizing safe-conduct
verb
Other Word Forms
- unsafeguarded adjective
Etymology
Origin of safeguard
1325–75; Middle English savegarde (noun) safe conduct < Middle French salvegarde, sauvegarde. See safe, guard
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Just like sinks and bathtubs have overflow drains to prevent spills, human cells appear to have a similar built-in safeguard.
From Science Daily • Mar. 26, 2026
He said that undoubtedly had an impact in terms of the force's ability to investigate and safeguard in all areas of criminality, particularly more serious incidents.
From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026
"Today, we come together in solemn solidarity to affirm truth and pursue a route to healing and reparative justice. The adoption of this resolution serves as a safeguard against forgetting," said Mahama.
From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026
“We will safeguard our vital interests in any scenario.”
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026
To safeguard our society, a system of laws has been created.
From "Monster" by Walter Dean Myers
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
