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

This included the guard "handover drill" and checking the safety catch of the machine gun, the lawyer said.

From BBC

The weapon's safety catch was applied when officers found it.

From BBC

Twice, she told the court, she found a gun on her bed, the muzzle pointing toward the door, the safety catch off.

From New York Times

So Butler hunkered down, propped Juliet against a tapestry behind a suit of armor, and checked his safety catch.

From Literature

Sir Charles adjusted something on his pistol with a soft click: the safety catch.

From Literature