English · Word Candidate

safeguard

/ˈseɪfɡɑːd/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: safeguards · safeguarding · safeguarded

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Something that serves as a guard or protection; a defense.

Noun

Getting a flu shot is a good safeguard against illness.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

One who, or that which, defends or protects; defence; protection.

Noun

Thy sword, the safeguard of thy brother's throne.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To protect, to keep safe.

Verb

She kept a savings to safeguard against debt and emergencies.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To implement safeguarding.

VerbRegister: UK

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “safeguard” mean?

Something that serves as a guard or protection; a defense.

Is “safeguard” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.