safety catch

American  

noun

1. a device used in mechanisms, as for elevators, to prevent falling in the event of mechanical failure.

2. safety.

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safety catch British  

noun

1. a device to prevent the accidental operation of a mechanism, e.g. in a firearm or lift

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Etymology

Origin of safety catch

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

safety catch

Instead of plummeting down, he fell only a few inches and then stopped, showing everybody how the safety catch he had installed worked.

From Scientific American ● Feb. 21, 2014

The old Browning's external safety catch could also mean a longer delay before pulling the trigger, says Warrant Officer Class 1 Mark Anderson, from the Royal Marines, who was part of the team testing it.

From BBC ● Jan. 11, 2013

He explained that with the Browning, a soldier had to undo the holster flap, flick the safety catch and draw a bullet from the magazine before firing a shot.

From The Guardian ● Jan. 9, 2013

He also agreed that in releasing the safety catch on his shotgun before being ready to fire he broke the "golden rule".

From BBC ● Mar. 25, 2010

This time he heard a guard test the safety catch on his Soul Stealer outside the Gondwannan Embassy.

From "The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm" by Nancy Farmer