safety

[seyf-tee]

noun

plural

safeties 

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.

   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 called: safetyman. 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 Word Forms

• self-safety noun
• supersafety 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

Those like Awa and her husband at the bookshop, and the school administrator, were able to get to safety in time.

From BBC

Mary and Kevin have to make split-second decisions that could save or kill everyone on the bus, all while worrying about the safety of their own families.

From BBC

The IPO found seven in ten fake toy buyers are motivated by cost, and just 27% cited safety as a purchase consideration.

From BBC

The general also stated that "most of Gaza's population has already left Gaza City, and we are moving them southward for their safety".

From BBC

A force spokesperson said they are working to evacuate the immediate area, and that people living nearby should stay indoors and keep their windows closed for their own safety.

From BBC

Related Words

• freedom 
• security