safe·guard

[seyf-gahrd]
noun
1.
something that serves as a protection or defense or that ensures safety.
2.
a permit for safe passage.
3.
a guard or convoy.
4.
a mechanical device for ensuring safety.
verb (used with object)
5.
to guard; protect; secure.
00:10
Safeguard is one of our favorite verbs.
So is hornswoggle. Does it mean:
to run away hurriedly; flee.
to swindle, cheat, hoodwink, or hoax.

Origin:
1325–75; Middle English savegarde (noun) safe conduct < Middle French salvegarde, sauvegarde. See safe, guard

un·safe·guard·ed, adjective


5. defend, shield.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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World English Dictionary
safeguard (ˈseɪfˌɡɑːd) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
n
1.  a person or thing that ensures protection against danger, damage, injury, etc
2.  a document authorizing safe-conduct
 
vb
3.  (tr) to defend or protect

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History

safeguard
1421, "protection, safety," from M.Fr. sauvegarde "safekeeping, safeguard" (13c.), from O.Fr. salve, sauve (fem. of sauf; see safe) + garde "a keeping" (see guard). Meaning "something that offers security from danger" is recorded from 1471. The verb is from 1494.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Example sentences
It ultimately helped persuade a majority of board members to pay the fees as a
  safeguard against a huge civil judgment.
Which enemies, if they do but see them and speak to them, it is enough for the
  safeguard of their lives.
She said the program was essential to safeguard the stability of the euro.
The surest safeguard against such danger is to deny the world the basic science
  that underpins these advances.
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