safety valve

American  

noun

1. a device that, when actuated by a gas or vapor pressure above a predetermined level, opens and allows the gas or vapor to escape until its pressure is reduced to a pressure equal to or below that of the predetermined level.

2. a harmless outlet for emotion, tension, etc.

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safety valve British  

noun

1. a valve in a pressure vessel that allows fluid to escape when a predetermined level of pressure has been reached

2. a harmless outlet for emotion, energy, tension, etc

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Etymology

Origin of safety valve

First recorded in 1805–15

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

safety valve

Irritating but never truly dangerous, his antagonism is a safety valve for the class system and a flattering diversion for its proprietors.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 14, 2026

In addition, they note that now, parents will still have access to the debt, but thanks to the changes to repayment, they won’t have much of a safety valve if it becomes unmanageable.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 1, 2026

It is an essential safety valve that remains "effective only if the conflict doesn't last too long", cautioned Perrin.

From Barron's ● Mar. 10, 2026

In that incident, the board’s investigation found multiple safety failures, including a severely eroded safety valve that allowed flammable gases to dangerously seep into unwanted areas.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 4, 2025

When pressure in the reactor gets too high, a safety valve opens and allows steam to escape into the torus, where it condenses back into water.

From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland

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