safe·guard
ˈsāf-ˌgärd 
1
a
: pass, safe-conduct
2
a
: a precautionary measure, stipulation, or device
b
: a technical contrivance to prevent accident
safeguarded; safeguarding; safeguards
Examples of safeguard in a Sentence
Noun
The new law has safeguards to protect the rights of citizens.
There are many safeguards built into the system to prevent fraud.
Verb
laws that safeguard the rights of citizens
You need to safeguard your computer against viruses.
There are steps you can take to safeguard against identity theft.
Recent Examples on the Web
Olivia Evans, Louisville Courier Journal, 10 Feb. 2026
OpenAI’s safety framework requires special safeguards for models with high cybersecurity risk that are designed to prevent the AI from going rogue and doing things like acting deceptively, sabotaging safety research, or hiding its true capabilities.
—Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 10 Feb. 2026
Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 9 Feb. 2026
The world’s wealthiest nations are scrambling for access to metals and minerals buried underground in Africa in order to safeguard their economic and geostrategic interests, from gold to protect against Washington’s erratic trade policies to copper needed for the AI boom.
—Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for safeguard
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Noun
In addition to making some dealership work more efficient, Max also helps curate safeguards for customers, Clay Turner said.
—Olivia Evans, Louisville Courier Journal, 10 Feb. 2026
OpenAI’s safety framework requires special safeguards for models with high cybersecurity risk that are designed to prevent the AI from going rogue and doing things like acting deceptively, sabotaging safety research, or hiding its true capabilities.
—Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
Opening arguments begin on Monday in a high-profile trial brought by the state of New Mexico against Meta, which allegedly failed to safeguard apps like Facebook and Instagram from online predators who targeted child users, according to Raúl Torrez, the state's attorney general.
—Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 9 Feb. 2026
The world’s wealthiest nations are scrambling for access to metals and minerals buried underground in Africa in order to safeguard their economic and geostrategic interests, from gold to protect against Washington’s erratic trade policies to copper needed for the AI boom.
—Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for safeguard
Cite this Entry
“Safeguard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/safeguard. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
safeguard
1 of 2 noun
safe·guard
ˈsāf-ˌgärd
: something that protects and gives safety : defense
safeguard
2 of 2 verb
: to make safe or secure : protect
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