safety

[ seyf-tee ]

noun

, plural safe·ties.

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. Compare touchback.
   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 calledsafetyman 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 Words From

• self-safety noun
• super·safety 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

"Nothing is of greater importance than matters of safety and security," Delta said in a statement to CBS.

From BBC

But concerns have mounted over the safety of the thousands of Palestinian civilians who remain in besieged towns in north Gaza.

From BBC

In the face of opposition from experts and the public, all were abandoned and the reconstruction is essentially true to the original - though with some concessions to modern materials and safety requirements.

From BBC

A Northern Ireland Executive online safety strategy for young people had previously expressed concern over exposure to pornography online.

From BBC

The letter from the police and fire service, and Bedford Borough Council, said the "cordon should remain in place for public safety", but entering it was "at your own risk".

From BBC

Related Words

• freedom
• security