salvaguardare

to safeguard; to protect

verb sal-vah-gwar-DAH-reh Rare

Origin: From salvo (safe) + guardare (to guard)

Also means

to preserve

Usage Note

Salvaguardare is a formal or official-register verb, common in legal, environmental, and political contexts: salvaguardare i diritti (to safeguard rights), salvaguardare l'ambiente (to protect the environment). It takes avere as auxiliary. The related noun is salvaguardia (safeguard, protection).

Examples

"Dobbiamo salvaguardare il patrimonio naturale."

Natural Translation

We must safeguard the natural heritage.

Related Words

Explore Italian by topic

ItalianNow

Italian False Friends: 20 Words That Trick You

Italian false friends like preservativo, parenti, and caldo mean the opposite of what English speakers expect. Here are 20 ranked by how badly they bite.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

ItalianNow

Italian Hand Gestures: Meanings & When to Use

Italian hand gestures decoded: what the pinched fingers, cheek screw, and chin flick mean, which ones are safe to use, and the one gesture to never make.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

ItalianNow

Tu vs Lei: Formal & Informal "You" in Italian

When in doubt, use Lei. Here's exactly when to use tu vs Lei in Italian — the who-to-use-with map, the verb and possessive shifts, and how to switch politely.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

ItalianNow

Essential Italian Travel Phrases (With Vorrei)

Vorrei means I would like — the politest, most useful Italian travel phrase. Learn five reusable frames to order, ask prices, and find your way in Italy.

June 5, 2026 5 min read