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Added 9 October 2026

safeguard

/ˈseɪfɡɑːd/ noun

In Latin: munio, praemunio Wiktionary

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about safeguard at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

Something that serves as a guard or protection; a defense.
Getting a flu shot is a good safeguard against illness.
One who, or that which, defends or protects; defence; protection.
A safe-conduct or passport, especially in time of war.

verb

To protect, to keep safe.
She kept a savings to safeguard against debt and emergencies.
To implement safeguarding.
To escort safely.

Origin

From Middle English savegard, from Middle French sauvegarde, from Old French salve garde, sauve garde, reconstructed as safe + guard.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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