I. ˈsāf-ˌgärd noun
Etymology: Middle English saufgarde, from Anglo-French, from sauf safe + garde guard
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : pass , safe-conduct
b. : convoy , escort
2.
a. : a precautionary measure, stipulation, or device
b. : a technical contrivance to prevent accident
II. transitive verb
Date: 15th century
1. : to provide a safeguard for
2. : to make safe : protect
Synonyms: see defend