Safeguard: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to refer to measures taken to protect something from harm or damage.

• Vaccinations act as a safeguard against infectious diseases.
• Implementing encryption in data systems serves as a safeguard against cyber attacks.

Signifies a state or condition where someone or something is kept safe from harm or damage.

• The helmet provides protection for the cyclist's head.
• They enforce environmental laws to ensure the protection of endangered species.

Generally used to denote the state of being free from danger or threat, often related to overall safety or systems preventing unauthorized access.

• Good cybersecurity is essential for the security of personal information online.
• The bank has heightened security measures to prevent theft.

Refers to actions taken in advance to prevent possible danger or harm.

• Washing hands frequently is a simple precaution to avoid getting sick.
• He took the precaution of locking all doors before leaving the house.

Use in formal contexts, especially when discussing measures put in place to protect someone or something from harm.

• We need to safeguard the funds to ensure they are not misused.
• Their main goal is to safeguard the rights of the citizens.

A general term used in everyday speech for ensuring someone or something is kept safe from harm or danger.

• Parents always want to protect their children.
• We need to protect the environment for future generations.

Often used when talking about making something safe or preventing it from being damaged, lost, or stolen.

• They worked hard to secure their home against intruders.
• We need to secure our network from potential threats.

Usually used when talking about protecting someone or something from attack or criticism, often in a more active or aggressive sense.

• She had to defend her position during the heated debate.
• The soldiers were deployed to defend the border.