safeguard

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'safeguard' is correct and usable in written English.
Generally, you would use it in a sentence to refer to measures taken to ensure safety, protect people or property, or maintain something. For example, "The government has taken extra safeguards to protect citizens from the virus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

About The Scott Trust Ltd The ultimate owner of the Guardian is The Scott Trust, which was originally created as a trust in 1936 to safeguard the title's journalistic freedom.

The Guardian

The ultimate owner of the Guardian is The Scott Trust, which was originally created as a trust in 1936 to safeguard the title's journalistic freedom.

The Guardian

The deal will safeguard jobs at BAE factories in Lancashire and Yorkshire, and small companies throughout the UK that support production of the aircraft, he added.

The Guardian

He added: "At Stormont House, the five parties agreed a series of measures to protect the vulnerable and safeguard current and future welfare claimants under the control of the executive," he said.

The Guardian

Despite the unprecedented pause and the NHS Future Forum's demolition job of the bill, the chorus of criticism has grown again as doctors, nurses, patient groups and health experts have digested the detail of the reorganised reorganisation and concluded that the government is failing to properly safeguard the NHS.

The Guardian - Opinion

He was expected to advocate some scaling-back of the investment banking division even before the losses but is resisting calls from some Swiss politicians to break up the bank to safeguard its private banking division.

The Guardian - Business

New Labour rightly distilled the lesson that there can be advantages to being open to international investment – think of Toyota's expanding Derbyshire plant – but wrongly leapt to the conclusion that the state's only duty in policing takeovers was to safeguard competition.

The Guardian - Opinion

A poll undertaken by IMRG (Interactive Media in Retail Group) – a community of e-retailers including Amazon, Tesco and other big names – suggested that 60% of them have full contingency measures in place to safeguard delivery of packets and parcels.

The Guardian - Business

The supposed safeguard under the FAA is that the NSA annually submits a document setting forth its general procedures for how it decides on whom it can eavesdrop without a warrant.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the absence of evidence-based methods, the safeguard of speciality specific minimums is still needed.

The Guardian

They also involved several deteriorating patients – including a child – who received "sub-optimal care" before they died; an unexplained "patient accident outside A&E where a wheelchair collided with a van causing patient injury"; several unexpected deaths; medication errors; two newborns dying unexpectedly; and a failure to properly safeguard a vulnerable child and an adult.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "safeguard", clearly specify what is being protected and the measures being taken to protect it. This adds clarity and strength to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "safeguard" without clearly defining what is being protected or how it is being protected. Instead of saying "We need to safeguard our interests", specify which interests and what actions will be taken: "We need to safeguard our financial interests by diversifying our investments."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "safeguard" is as a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object. As Ludwig AI explains, it is used to describe the act of protecting something from harm or danger. It can also function as a noun, referring to a protective measure or device.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "safeguard" functions primarily as a transitive verb, conveying the act of protecting something important from harm. Ludwig AI indicates that it adheres to standard English grammar and finds frequent use across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, formal business settings, and scientific discourse. While synonyms like "protect" and "secure" exist, "safeguard" often emphasizes proactive protective measures. A key writing tip is to clearly specify what is being protected to avoid vagueness. By considering these nuances, writers can effectively employ "safeguard" to communicate a commitment to security and preservation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

protect

This alternative is a direct synonym, emphasizing the act of defending from harm.

shield

This alternative suggests a more defensive or sheltering approach to protection.

secure

This alternative emphasizes making something safe and preventing unauthorized access or harm.

preserve

This alternative focuses on maintaining something in its original condition, protecting it from decay or damage.

defend

This alternative highlights the act of actively resisting an attack or threat.

guard

This alternative implies watching over something to prevent harm or theft.

uphold

This alternative suggests maintaining or defending a principle or law.

ensure the safety of

This alternative phrase is more verbose but directly conveys the meaning of ensuring safety.

maintain the integrity of

This alternative focuses on preserving the completeness and soundness of something.

take precautions to protect

This alternative emphasizes the proactive measures taken to ensure protection.

FAQs

How can I use "safeguard" in a sentence?

You can use "safeguard" to describe actions taken to protect something valuable. For example, "The company implemented new protocols to safeguard sensitive data" or "The government is working to safeguard the environment for future generations".

What are some alternatives to "safeguard"?

Alternatives to "safeguard" include "protect", "secure", "preserve", or "defend". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "safeguard" and "protect"?

While "safeguard" and "protect" are often used interchangeably, "safeguard" often implies taking proactive measures to prevent harm, while "protect" can refer to both proactive and reactive measures.

What does it mean to "safeguard" something?

To "safeguard" something means to take actions to ensure its safety, security, and preservation. It involves implementing measures to prevent harm, loss, or damage.