English▸ noun a measure taken to protect someone or something or to prevent something undesirable:
there were multiple safeguards to prevent the accidental release of a virus.
▸ verb [with object] protect from harm or damage with an appropriate measure:
low interest rates are offering the opportunity to safeguard their financial futures.
– ORIGIN late Middle English (denoting protection or safe conduct): from Old French sauve garde, from sauve ‘safe’ + garde ‘guard’. Compare with sagger.