English▸ noun a measure taken to protect someone or something or to prevent something undesirable:
the charity called for tougher safeguards to protect Britain's remaining natural forests.
▸ verb [with object] protect from harm or damage with an appropriate measure:
a framework which safeguards employees from exploitation.
– ORIGIN late Middle English (denoting protection or safe conduct): from Old French sauve garde, from sauve ‘safe’ + garde ‘guard’. Compare with saggar.