megóvó

Megóvó is a Hungarian term that functions as an adjective and participle, meaning protective, safeguarding, or preserving against harm. It is formed from the verb óvni with the prefix meg- and the present participle suffix -ó, and it is typically used to describe something that serves to protect or keep safe.

Grammatical notes and usage: Megóvó appears mainly in attributive position before a noun, as in megóvó intézkedések (protective measures) or megóvó rendszerek (safeguarding systems). In predicative use, it can describe the nature of an action or effect, for example Ez megóvó jellegű intézkedés. The term is common in formal or technical language, particularly in contexts such as safety, health, and environmental protection. Common synonyms include védő, óvó, or megelőző, depending on nuance.

Etymology and related forms: The word derives from the verb óvni, “to guard” or “to protect,” with prefix meg- signaling completion or thoroughness, and the -ó suffix yielding a participial adjective. Related Hungarian terms include védelem (protection) and védő (protector).

Examples and scope: Megóvó intézkedések are taken to safeguard health and safety, such as on a worksite or in a chemical process. Megóvó hatás may describe a protective effect of a medicine or intervention. While widely understood, megóvó is often interchangeable with more common terms depending on context.

See also: védelem, óvás, védő.