safe-deposit

[ seyf-di-poz-it ]

adjective

1. providing safekeeping for valuables:

   a safe-deposit vault.

safe-deposit

noun

1. 1. a place or building with facilities for the safe storage of money or valuables
   2. ( as modifier )

      a safe-deposit box

Word History and Origins

Origin of safe-deposit¹

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85

Example Sentences

The hush money caught the attention of the federal authorities, leading them in April 2018 to search Cohen’s home and office; a hotel room where he was staying; and a safe-deposit box.

From Seattle Times

The FBI violated people’s constitutional rights when it opened and ‘inventoried’ safe-deposit boxes at a Beverly Hills vault, an appeals court ruled.

From Los Angeles Times

The FBI violated people’s constitutional rights when it opened and “inventoried” the contents of hundreds of safe-deposit boxes during a raid on a Beverly Hills vault in 2021, a federal appellate court ruled Tuesday.

From Los Angeles Times

A couple of years ago, Doar did a search of unclaimed money from the government and discovered his now deceased mother had a safe-deposit box.

From Seattle Times

Don’t put the will or other important documents in a safe-deposit box.

From Washington Post