safety

[ seyf-tee ]

noun

, plural safe·ties.

1. the state of being safe; freedom from the occurrence or risk of injury, danger, or loss.
2. the quality of averting or not causing injury, danger, or loss.
3. a contrivance or device to prevent injury or avert danger.
4. Also called lock, safety catch, safety lock. a locking or cutoff device that prevents a gun from being fired accidentally.
5. the action of keeping safe.
6. Football.
   1. an act or play in which a player on the offensive team is tackled in his own end zone or downs the ball there, or in which the ball goes out of bounds on a fumble, having last been in bounds in or over the end zone and having last been in the possession of an offensive player. Compare touchback.
   2. an award of two points to the opposing team on this play.
   3. Also called safety man. a player on defense who lines up farthest behind the line of scrimmage.
7. Baseball. a base hit, especially a one-base hit.
8. Slang. a condom.
9. Obsolete. close confinement or custody.

safety

/ ˈseɪftɪ /

noun

1. the quality of being safe
2. freedom from danger or risk of injury
3. a contrivance or device designed to prevent injury
4. American football
   1. Also calledsafetyman either of two players who defend the area furthest back in the field
   2. a play in which the offensive team causes the ball to cross its own goal line and then grounds the ball behind that line, scoring two points for the opposing team Compare touchback

Other Words From

• self-safety noun
• super·safety noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of safety¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English sauvete, from Middle French; equivalent to safe + -ty ²

Example Sentences

While states regulate the sale of raw milk, the FDA prohibits the interstate sale of raw milk for health and safety reasons.

From Salon

Belfast City Council has said the closure of the Christmas market at city hall on Saturday would be "disappointing" but added that "the safety of our visitors and traders is of the utmost importance".

From BBC

To improve the riding experience and safety, the research team has identified several potential enhancements, including better suspension systems, redesigned seats to absorb vibrations more effectively, and driver monitoring systems to encourage smoother driving practices.

From Science Daily

"Half-matched transplants have increased dramatically in recent years, so improving the safety and effectiveness of this procedure is a big goal and has the potential to impact a lot of patients," DiPersio said.

From Science Daily

In that game, quarterback Justin Herbert was playing on a tender ankle and the Chargers were missing both starting offensive tackles and star safety Derwin James Jr.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• freedom
• security