Definition

1. Noun:

   • A precautionary measure or device: Something that serves as protection against potential harm, danger, or loss.
   • A document or guarantee of safe passage: An official document or an escort that ensures safe travel through a dangerous area.

2. Verb:

   • To protect or defend: To take action to prevent something or someone from being harmed or lost.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • Wearing a helmet is an important safeguard for cyclists.
  • The treaty included a safeguard for the free movement of diplomats.

• Verb:

  • Laws exist to safeguard citizens' rights.
  • The software update will safeguard your data from new threats.

Advanced Usage

• "as a safeguard against (something)": used to indicate a protective measure taken to prevent a specific negative outcome.

  • She saved the files to an external drive as a safeguard against computer failure.

• "built-in safeguard": a protective feature that is an integral part of a system or device.

  • The machinery has several built-in safeguards to prevent operator injury.

Variants and Related Words

• Safeguarding (gerund/noun): The action of protecting something.
  • The safeguarding of children is a top priority.

Synonyms

• Noun: Protection, defense, precaution, security measure.
• Verb: Protect, defend, secure, shield, preserve.

Related Phrases

• "safeguard clause": A provision in a contract or law intended to protect against certain risks or changes.
  • The trade agreement contains a safeguard clause to protect domestic industries.

Idioms

• "To safeguard against all eventualities": To take protective measures for every possible scenario.
  • The emergency plan was designed to safeguard against all eventualities.

Noun

1. a document or escort providing safe passage through a region especially in time of war
2. a precautionary measure warding off impending danger or damage or injury etc.
   • he put an ice pack on the injury as a precaution
   • an insurance policy is a good safeguard
   • we let our guard down

Verb

1. escort safely
2. make safe