safeguard
/ˈseɪfɡɑːd
/noun
A measure taken to protect someone or something or to prevent something undesirable: the charity called for tougher safeguards to protect Britain’s remaining natural forests...
- What we would want are safeguards to prevent insurance companies getting access to the data and using it to make people pay more for their health insurance.
- Those delays may impel companies to build up precautionary inventories as a safeguard against distribution disruptions.
- Gilfillan says the engineers reports are just a precaution - a safeguard against an unknown future.
Synonyms
protection, defence, guard, shelter, screen, buffer, preventive, precaution, prophylactic, provision, security, safety measure, surety, cover, insurance, indemnity
verb [with object]
Protect from harm or damage with an appropriate measure: a framework which safeguards employees from exploitation...
- This leads to higher prices, which is always resented by those consumers whose jobs are not safeguarded through protection.
- The welfare of the people is contingent upon preserving and safeguarding our national unity.
- The minister saw our point and was quite enthusiastic about the idea provided the Government's financial situation was safeguarded.
Synonyms
protect, afford protection to, shield, screen, defend, guard, keep safe, shelter;
preserve, conserve, look after, save, secure
Origin
Late Middle English (denoting protection or safe conduct): from Old French sauve garde, from sauve 'safe' + garde 'guard'. Compare with saggar.