safe-conduct

[ seyf-kon-duhkt ]

noun

1. a document authorizing safe passage through a region, especially in time of war.
2. this privilege.
3. the act of conducting in safety.

safe-conduct

noun

1. a document giving official permission to travel through a region, esp in time of war
2. the protection afforded by such a document

verb

1. to conduct (a person) in safety
2. to give a safe-conduct to

Word History and Origins

Origin of safe-conduct¹

1250–1300; Middle English sauf condut < Middle French sauf-conduit

Example Sentences

Still, Morales refused to grant him safe conduct on grounds that Pinto stood accused of common crimes.

From The Daily Beast

Police loudspeakers promised the Egyptian interior ministry would give safe conduct to anyone who went out peacefully.

From The Daily Beast

Adam prudently left his papers in safe keeping at Berwick till he had provided himself with a safe conduct.

From Project Gutenberg

The safe-conduct was issued on July 2; and it was not Edward's fault that Balliol postponed his visit.

From Project Gutenberg

I am summoned hither, so I come, but it may be necessary to secure a hostage for my safe conduct outside the walls again.

From Project Gutenberg

She had the means in her possession to guarantee safe conduct of their abductors--or so she thought.

From Project Gutenberg

The Irish annalists say that this arrest was treacherous, but it does not appear that he had any safe-conduct.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• allowance
• charter
• concession
• consent
• go ahead
• grant
• license
• passport
• patent
• permission
• privilege
• visa
• warrant