Safety

'seɪfti

nounBeginner🔥Very CommonCondition
3 meanings2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

3 meanings
1

The condition of being protected from or unlikely to cause danger, risk, or injury.

'seɪfti

nounneutralBeginner
Condition

The state of being safe; freedom from danger or risk.

The seatbelt provides safety during a car crash.

💡 Simply: It's like when you feel okay because there's no chance something bad will happen. Like wearing a helmet when riding a bike, that's for your safety!

👶 For kids: Being safe means you won't get hurt or be in trouble.

More Examples

2

The company implemented new safety measures in the workplace.

3

We prioritize the safety of our customers.

How It's Used

General

"The safety of the children is our top priority."

Workplace

"OSHA regulations promote workplace safety."

Sports

"The football team scored a safety."

2

A device or mechanism designed to prevent accidents or protect something.

'seɪfti

nounneutralmedium
Device

A device or measure designed to prevent accidents or damage.

The safety on the firearm prevented accidental discharge.

💡 Simply: Imagine a special button or feature that keeps things from going wrong. Like the brakes on a car, they're a safety feature!

👶 For kids: Something that helps keep you safe. Like a seatbelt or a helmet.

More Examples

2

Always check the safety of the electrical equipment.

3

The safety of the car included airbags and anti-lock brakes.

How It's Used

Technical

"The safety on the gun was engaged."

Engineering

"Install safety features in the machinery."

Tip:A safety pin keeps clothes securely closed; a safety feature prevents harm.
3

In American football, a scoring play in which an offensive player is tackled in his own end zone by a defensive player.

'seɪfti

nounneutralmedium
Sports

A play in American football in which a player is tackled in their own end zone.

The defensive team recorded a safety in the first quarter.

💡 Simply: In football, when the other team tackles you with the ball in your end zone, they get some points. That's a safety!

👶 For kids: In football, if you get tackled in your own end zone, the other team gets points.

More Examples

2

The quarterback was tackled in the end zone resulting in a safety.

3

The score was increased due to the defensive safety.

How It's Used

Sports

"The team scored a safety, giving them two points."

Tip:A 'safety' in football means the other team gets points because of a mistake in your own end zone.

Idioms & expressions

safety first

Emphasizing the importance of safety.

"Before starting the experiment, remember, safety first!"

play it safe

To act cautiously and avoid risks.

"To play it safe, bring a jacket in case it rains."

From Middle English *safte*, from Old French *saufeté* (safety, security), from *sauf* (safe) + *-té* (suffix denoting a quality).

The word 'safety' has been used in English since the 13th century, originally derived from the Old French word 'saufeté'. It's historical use was very similar to today's use.

Memory tip

Think of a safe as a place for your safety.

Word Origin

LanguageOld French
Original meaning

"Security, freedom from danger."

workplace safetypersonal safetysafety measuressafety regulationssafety equipment

Common misspellings

safteysaftysaefety

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written