noun
safeguard
SAYF-gahd
noun
1
Something put in place to protect against harm or risk.
"The new law includes safeguards to protect consumer data."
verb
1
To protect or keep something safe from harm.
"The company added extra security to safeguard customers' passwords."
"New rules were introduced to safeguard endangered species."
How to Use Safeguard
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA protection or measure taken to prevent harm — or the act of putting that protection in place.
Common pairings
safeguard against
financial safeguards
safeguard the future
Word Forms
safeguarded past tense, safeguards plural, safeguards singular
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The new law includes _____ to protect consumer data.
Etymology
From Old French sauve garde, literally "safe guard" — built from safe + guard.