safeguard
gb/sˈeɪfɡˌɑɹd/ us/sˈeɪfɡˌɑɹd/
B1
English
~ 4000
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
Something that protects from harm
Something that keeps people or things safe from harm or danger.
Usage pattern:
a safeguard against [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'safeguard' with 'safe'. 'Safe' is an adjective or noun meaning secure or a secure box, while 'safeguard' is a noun for something that gives protection.
Synonyms
protection (A broader term; can be physical, legal, or emotional.)
|
precaution (Focuses on preventive action rather than ongoing protection.)
Antonyms
risk (Represents exposure to danger, the opposite of protection.)
|
hazard (An actual source of danger rather than something preventing it.)
Collocations
legal safeguard
|important safeguard
|safeguard against fraud
|built-in safeguard
Themes
safety
|law
|business
|technology
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The new law includes safeguards to protect consumers from unfair practices.
- Seat belts are an important safeguard in cars.
- The contract has a safeguard to ensure timely payment.
- Firewalls act as safeguards against cyberattacks.
Learner examples
- A helmet is a safeguard for your head.
- The rules are a safeguard for workers.
- A password is a safeguard for your email.
- The fence is a safeguard for the garden.
Verb
B1
action
2
To protect from harm or loss
To keep someone or something safe from harm or danger.
Usage pattern:
to safeguard [something] from [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use 'safe' instead of 'safeguard' as a verb; 'safe' is not used as a verb in standard English.
Synonyms
protect (More general and common; may not imply formal measures.)
|
defend (Often implies active resistance against threats.)
Antonyms
endanger (To put in danger, the opposite of protecting.)
|
harm (To cause injury or damage rather than prevent it.)
Collocations
safeguard rights
|safeguard the environment
|safeguard public health
|safeguard information
Themes
safety
|law
|business
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The organization works to safeguard endangered species.
- We need stronger policies to safeguard our data from hackers.
- Parents try to safeguard their children from bad influences.
- The treaty aims to safeguard peace in the region.
Learner examples
- I want to safeguard my phone from damage.
- We must safeguard the forest.
- They safeguard the old buildings in the city.
- He safeguarded his house with a lock.
Grammar
Dictionary form
safeguard
IPA
GB/sˈeɪfɡˌɑɹd/
US/sˈeɪfɡˌɑɹd/
Syllables & stress
safe - guard (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (safe)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: safeguard
- Plural: safeguards
Verb
- Base: safeguard
- 3rd Person Singular: safeguards
- Present Participle: safeguarding
- Past: safeguarded
Word family
Expressions
as a safeguard
1/ˈæz ə sˈeɪfɡˌɑɹd/
fixed phrase
As a form of protection
To do something to make sure nothing bad happens.
Examples
- As a safeguard, we keep copies of all important documents.
- They installed security cameras as a safeguard against theft.
serve as a safeguard
1/sˈɚv ˈæz ə sˈeɪfɡˌɑɹd/
fixed phrase
Function as protection from harm
To act in a way that protects something or someone.
Examples
- Regular inspections serve as a safeguard for product quality.
- The agreement serves as a safeguard against conflict.