/ ˈseɪfgɑːd; NAmE -gɑːrd/ verb , noun
■ verb
safeguard sth/sb (against / from sth) | safeguard against sth ( formal ) to protect sth/sb from loss, harm or damage; to keep sth/sb safe :
[ vn ]
to safeguard a person's interests
to safeguard jobs
The new card will safeguard the company against fraud.
[ v ]
The leaflet explains how to safeguard against dangers in the home.
■ noun
safeguard (against sth) something that is designed to protect people from harm, risk or danger :
Stronger legal safeguards are needed to protect the consumer.
••
WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English (denoting protection or safe conduct): from Old French sauve garde , from sauve safe + garde guard.