How to say "safeguard" in Japanese

• 保護ほごJLPT N1approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbProtection in the broadest sense: keeping people, rights, or interests safe from harm, as in guardianship or custody. Use this when 'safeguard' is simply a synonym for 'protect' or 'protection'.
  その子こはおじの保護ほごを受うけている。↗

  He is in custody of his uncle.
• 防御ぼうぎょCommon
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbThe defensive side of 'safeguard': protecting something against attack or hostile forces, as in military defense or the body's defenses. It is about warding off a threat rather than caring for the protected.
  その市しの防御ぼうぎょは堅固けんごだ。↗

  The defenses of the city are strong.
• 守護しゅごCommon
  suru verb, no-adjective, transitive verbProtection in the sense of watching over and guarding something, with a devoted, guardian-like nuance. As 'safeguard' it suits solemn or figurative uses better than talk of concrete protective measures.
• 予防線よぼうせんCommon
  nounA safeguard in the sense of a precaution: a measure taken in advance against a possible risk or problem. This matches English 'as a safeguard against...' — acting before trouble occurs.

Choose 保護 for protecting people, rights, or interests from harm; 防御 for defense against attack; 守護 for watching over something with devoted care; and 予防線 for a precaution taken in advance against possible trouble.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 保護ほごprotection
• 防御ぼうぎょdefense
• 守護しゅごprotection
• セーフガードsafeguard
• 保障措置ほしょうそちsafeguard
• 保護機能ほごきのうsafeguard
• 保護装置ほごそうちsafeguard
• 防護策ぼうごさくprotective measure
• 保衛ほえいdefense
• 予防線よぼうせんprecaution