safekeeping

[ seyf-kee-ping ]

noun

1. the act of keeping safe or the state of being kept safe; protection; care; custody.

safekeeping

/ ˈseɪfˈkiːpɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of keeping or state of being kept in safety

Word History and Origins

Origin of safekeeping¹

First recorded in 1400–50, safekeeping is from late Middle English safe kepyng. See safe, keeping

Example Sentences

People and companies put trillions of dollars into money-market funds for safekeeping, and it seemed a lot like money in the bank—put a dollar in, take a dollar out, plus interest.

From Time

In Tennessee, for example, county administrators send people awaiting trial to the state prison because local jails are too crowded, under that state’s so-called safekeeping law.

From Time

The Perseverance team will spend a bit of time imaging the contents and verifying that a sample is indeed inside, and then the rover will go ahead and stow the sample for safekeeping.

From MIT Technology Review

This was material that was buried for safekeeping, almost like a safety deposit box that was never claimed.

From The Daily Beast

If the princes were quietly sent abroad for safekeeping, they probably resurfaced later, one at a time, to claim the throne.

From The Daily Beast

It never occurred to her that I fell into the books—that I put myself inside them for safekeeping.

From The Daily Beast

Caylee Anthony's skull and other artifacts were carefully gathered up for safekeeping until justice could be found.

From The Daily Beast

For safekeeping, Cage housed them at his Bel Air pad in museum-like glass cases.

From The Daily Beast

Juno had left these apples with the Hesperides for safekeeping.

From Project Gutenberg

One leaves a mark with you for safekeeping and pays you a penny the year to guard it.

From Project Gutenberg

His guards were opening the cell door when a second shock was felt and he was thrust into safekeeping with no ceremony.

From Project Gutenberg

Everything was done up carefully and put away for safekeeping, as became a house that is to be long untenanted.

From Project Gutenberg

It was his custom to carry in his blankets, for safekeeping, his long spyglass, a pair of dry moccasins and a buckskin tunic.

From Project Gutenberg