noun
a person, thing, or action that serves to protect or defend; means of maintaining safety.
The government has recently implemented safeguards against the spreading of the disease.
Changing one’s password frequently is a safeguard against one’s account being compromised.
transitive verb
to keep safe; guard; protect.
The city is building a new levee by the river to safeguard the business district against flooding.
Smoke detectors help safeguard one’s home against fire.
By investing conservatively, the couple hoped to safeguard their assets.