safe word

American  

[seyf wurd] / ˈseɪf ˌwɜrd /

noun

1. a word previously agreed upon for use as a signal during sex, especially sex involving bondage, dominance, or sadism, to let one’s partner know that they should stop what they are doing.

2. a word previously agreed upon for use in any consensual but risky or potentially overwhelming situation, to call for help or take oneself out of the action.

   If you like scare mazes you’ll love the House of Horror—but if it becomes too much, shout the safe word and a staff member will get you out ASAP.

   During labor, my safe word to say that I truly needed and wanted an epidural was “snowshoe.”

3. a word previously agreed upon to indicate that one is not in danger, that someone can be trusted, etc..

   When the alarm prompts our monitoring center to call you, if you don’t answer with your safe word we’ll alert the police that you’re in danger.

   Use our safe word “penguin” when you pick up my son from school, or he won’t go with you.

4. a term that can be used without alienating, upsetting, or alarming someone else or people in general.

   She may have been a bit radical, but she finally made “socialism” a safe word in politics.

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Etymology

Origin of safe word

First recorded in 1670–80; 1985–90 safe word for def. 1

Example Sentences

She then gave the courier a safe word provided by the scammers and passed over her bank cards in an envelope with the fake crime reference number.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

Guests are given a safe word to exit the experience: “mercy.”

From Scientific American • Oct. 31, 2022

Teams who make it through all five cells of Lincoln, Nebraska’s, Quigley House, a horrific hardcore escape adventure, without uttering the safe word — “Reprieve” — take home $60,000.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 7, 2022

A common way of doing this is a safe word.

From Slate • Jun. 21, 2021

"That is not a safe word to say to me."

From Army Boys on the Firing Line or, Holding Back the German Drive by Randall, Homer