Word
safeguard
Phoneticssafe·guard, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈseɪfˌɡɑɹd/
UK/sˈeɪfɡɑːd/
Definitions
01to protect
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.
“The new law was designed to safeguard the rights of workers.”
“The treaty includes several clauses intended to safeguard the interests of smaller nations during international trade negotiations.”
Antonyms
02to prevent abuse
B2 · Upper Intermediate British English
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.
“The school has a strict policy to safeguard all its students.”
“The charity failed to safeguard effectively, leading to a complete overhaul of their volunteer screening process.”
Usage
Often used as an intransitive verb in professional social work contexts.
Teaching tip
This specific usage is very common in UK education and healthcare sectors.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03a protection
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
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.
“The bank has many safeguards to prevent people from stealing money.”
“The constitutional safeguards were put in place to ensure that no single branch of government could seize absolute power.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“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.” “Hie argues even existing safeguards go a long way towards "ensuring that the technology is used for good".” Etymology
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.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/safeguard