Words / C1

SAYFG-ahd/ˈseɪfɡɑːd/

A safeguard is a rule or measure that protects: a legal safeguard, safeguards for data. Protect is the verb cousin; a precaution (already in the dictionary) is a step taken in advance; a slogan is not a safeguard. The verb to safeguard means to protect with such a measure. Do not file a poster as a safeguard if nobody is named on the rota.

Meaning

A rule or measure that protects someone or something from harm.

Examples

• “A named invigilator is a safeguard; a poster about “vigilance” is not.”
• “Protect is everyday. A precaution is already in this course. A lock, a named person, a dated clause — those can be safeguards. Vigilance as a vibe is not. Write the name; then it is a measure.”

Good to know

A protective measure. Verb: to safeguard. Close: precaution (already in the dictionary). A poster without a name is not a safeguard.

Near in meaning

protect

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