safeguard

Definition

Something that serves as a guard or protection; a defense.

Etymology

From Middle English savegard, from Middle French sauvegarde, from Old French salve garde, sauve garde, reconstructed as safe + guard.

Example Sentences

• "Getting a flu shot is a good safeguard against illness."
• "An externment of a person is a harsh punishment on him and calls for procedural safeguards against the abuse of power by the authorities."
• "Thy sword, the safeguard of thy brother's throne."