Safe
/seɪf/
Definitions
3 meaningsProtected from danger or harm.
/seɪf/
Protected from or not exposed to danger or risk; not likely to be harmed or lost.
The hikers were safe from the storm inside the cave.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing outside. If you're safe, it means nothing can hurt you or cause any problems, like being protected by your parents or a fence around the yard.
👶 For kids: When something is safe, it means it won't hurt you.
More Examples
Keep your money safe in a locked drawer.
Make sure the children are safe while crossing the street.
How It's Used
"The children were safe at home."
"The police declared the area safe after the bomb squad investigated."
A secure container for valuables.
/seɪf/
A container (often a metal box or cabinet) for storing valuables.
The jewels were locked away in the safe.
💡 Simply: It’s like a special metal box that keeps your most important things like your money and your passport away from people who might want to take them. It’s super strong and can only be opened with a special code or key.
👶 For kids: A safe is a strong box that keeps your stuff safe from bad guys.
More Examples
They needed a combination to open the safe.
Burglars tried to break into the safe, but it was too secure.
How It's Used
"The bank's safe contained millions of dollars."
"He kept his important documents in a safe."
To be declared safe in a game.
/seɪf/
To be safe.
The umpire called him safe.
💡 Simply: In baseball, it means the player got to a base without getting tagged out by the ball. It's a happy moment!
👶 For kids: In baseball, it means the player got to a base and isn't out!
More Examples
The player slid into the base and was declared safe.
How It's Used
"The runner was ruled safe at the plate."
Idioms & expressions
play it safe
To act cautiously and avoid risks.
"To play it safe, bring a jacket in case it rains."
safe and sound
Free from danger or harm.
"The hikers returned safe and sound after their adventure in the mountains."
From Old French *sauf* meaning 'safe, secure,' which comes from Latin *salvus* meaning 'safe, healthy, uninjured'.
The word 'safe' has been used in English since the 13th century. Its meaning has remained relatively consistent, evolving from a sense of physical protection to encompass broader concepts of security and avoidance of risk.
Memory tip
Think of a 'safe' box – it protects valuables from harm.
Word Origin
"Healthy, secure"