safeguard
UK: ˈseɪfɡɑːd | US: ˈseɪfɡɑːrd
n. a measure taken to protect someone or something from potential harm or danger
vt. to protect or defend someone or something from harm
The word "safeguard" combines "safe" (from Old French sauf, meaning "unharmed") and "guard" (from Old French garder, meaning "to protect"). It emerged in Middle English (14th century) as a term for protective measures or defenses, reflecting its literal sense of "keeping something safe under guard." The morphemes retain their original meanings, making the compound highly intuitive.
The new law serves as a safeguard against data breaches.
Vaccines safeguard children from preventable diseases.
The castle was built with multiple safeguards to repel invaders.
Always safeguard your passwords to avoid cyber threats.
Environmental policies aim to safeguard natural resources.