safe space

American  

[seyf speys] / ˈseɪf ˈspeɪs /

noun

1. a place that provides a physically and emotionally safe environment for a person or group of people, especially a place where people can freely express themselves without fear of prejudice, negative judgment, etc..

   a safe space for single moms to share their experiences.

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Usage

What does safe space mean? A safe space is a physical or metaphorical place for people, usually of marginalized identities, to feel free of judgment or harm

Etymology

Origin of safe space

First recorded in 2005–10

Example Sentences

The Women’s Leadership Summit was their safe space, a refuge from campuses or workplaces they described as hostile as ever to their conservative beliefs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

One of the important things she has trained Captain Crumpet and Chikondi in is what to do if they feel threatened and she carries a rucksack as a mobile safe space.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

In 2014, Rivera-Amador and Hollinquest founded the Radical Monarchs in Oakland — giving girls and gender expansive youth of color ages 8 through 13 a safe space to practice self-love, sisterhood and activism.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

The account covers issues like the menopause, mental wellbeing, periods and fertility, and gives women in the North East a "safe space" to find accurate and evidence-based information on women's health.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

We’re also going to create a club, specifically to create a safe space for Black students and other students of color to share experiences.

From "Finding Junie Kim" by Ellen Oh