Safeguard
/ˈseɪfˌɡɑːrd/noun
A measure taken to protect something or someone from harm.
Did you know?The term 'safeguard' has roots in medieval law, where it referred to legal protections against wrongful harm, highlighting the power of words in shaping safety.
Etymological Timeline
Old French
Old French
safeguard
“To protect or shield from danger.”
14th Century
Middle English
safeguarde
“A legal protection or defense against harm.”
Late 14th Century
Old French
safegarder
“To save or keep safe.”
Proto-Germanic
Proto-Germanic
*gaurdō
“To watch over or protect.”
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ḱer-
“To make or do, linked to protection and preservation.”