safeguard
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to protect something important from being harmed, lost, or treated badly.
v.to protect or shield something from harm, risk, or loss. Transitive — requires a direct object.
Simple“The new law was designed to safeguard the rights of workers.”
In context“The treaty includes several clauses intended to safeguard the interests of smaller nations during international trade negotiations.”
Antonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to follow specific rules to make sure children or vulnerable people are safe from harm.
v.to implement measures designed to protect the health, well-being, and human rights of individuals, especially children and vulnerable adults.
Simple“The school has a strict policy to safeguard all its students.”
In context“The charity failed to safeguard effectively, leading to a complete overhaul of their volunteer screening process.”
UsageOften used as an intransitive verb in professional social work contexts.
Teacher's tipThis specific usage is very common in UK education and healthcare sectors.
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a rule or a piece of equipment that prevents something bad from happening.
n.a measure, rule, or device taken to prevent a mistake, an accident, or a violation of rights.
Simple“The bank has many safeguards to prevent people from stealing money.”
In context“The constitutional safeguards were put in place to ensure that no single branch of government could seize absolute power.”
Synonyms
“To safeguard privacy, a government seeking sensitive medical records should have to show why it needs them and how the safeguards it relies on hold up.”
“West Devon Borough Council said the orders would help safeguard the trees for future generations and protect their benefits.”
From Middle English savegard, from Middle French sauvegarde, from Old French salve garde, sauve garde, reconstructed as safe + guard.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.