ɡɑːd ɡɑɹd pɹiːˈkɔːʃən ˈseɪfɡɑː(ɹ)d ˈseɪfɡɑː(ɹ)d a precautionary measure warding off impending danger or damage or injury etc. he put an ice pack on the injury as a precaution an insurance policy is a good safeguard we let our guard down make safe escort safely a document or escort providing safe passage through a region especially in time of war