Safeguarding Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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safeguarding

[ˈseɪfɡɑːrdɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

child protection

Safeguarding refers to the policies and procedures in place to protect vulnerable individuals, especially children, from harm and abuse. It involves promoting their welfare and creating a safe environment for them to thrive.

Synonyms

care, protection, security.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
safeguarding	Used in formal or legal contexts, often related to protecting people, especially vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly, from harm or abuse. The organization is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children in its care. New safeguarding policies have been implemented to protect employees from harassment.
protection	A general term used to describe keeping someone or something safe from harm, damage, or illness. This word often pops up in discussions about physical safety, legal rights, and environmental concerns. The new sunscreen offers better protection against UV rays. Protection of endangered species is crucial for biodiversity.
security	Focused on safeguarding against threats like theft, crime, terrorism, or unauthorized access. Often used in contexts involving personal safety, technology, national defense, and financial systems. They installed a new security system to prevent burglaries. National security is a top priority for the government.
care	All about looking after someone or something, from healthcare to general well-being. It has a broad range of applications and is often used in both personal and professional contexts. She takes good care of her pets. Proper care can extend the life of your car.

Examples of usage

Safeguarding children is a top priority for schools and social services.
Training on safeguarding policies is mandatory for all staff working with vulnerable populations.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

protective measures

To safeguard means to take precautions or measures to protect someone or something from potential harm or danger. It involves being proactive in preventing risks and ensuring safety.

Synonyms

defend, protect, secure.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
safeguarding	Usually used in contexts involving preserving something like health, rights, or assets from harm or wrongful actions. 'The organization is committed to safeguarding the rights of all its employees ' 'Parents play a crucial role in safeguarding their children's well-being '
protect	Often used in the context of keeping someone or something from being harmed or damaged. 'He wore a helmet to protect his head during the bicycle ride ' 'The new policy aims to protect consumer rights '
secure	Commonly used when making something safe from threats or making certain of an outcome. 'The company secured its data with advanced encryption methods ' 'She secured a seat at the concert by booking early '
defend	Typically used to describe acting against an attack or criticism, in both a literal and figurative sense. 'The soldier had to defend his country from invaders ' 'She had to defend her thesis against several tough questions '

Examples of usage

It is essential to safeguard sensitive information to prevent data breaches.
Parents must safeguard their children from online threats by monitoring their internet usage.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'safeguarding'

The term 'safeguarding' originated from the Old English word 'safeguardian', which means 'to protect or defend'. Over time, the concept of safeguarding has evolved to encompass a broader range of protective measures, particularly in the context of child welfare and vulnerable populations.