WordGarden.iosafety
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈeɪfti/
US
- /ˈseɪfti/
Meanings
Noun
the condition of being protected from danger, injury, or harm
measures, rules, or equipment intended to prevent harm or accidents
a device or catch that prevents a machine or firearm from operating accidentally
More meaningsFewer meanings
a defensive player positioned deep in the secondary in American football
a scoring play worth two points in American football when the offense is downed in its own end zone
Beyond the definition
Safety isn't just about helmets and seatbelts—though those are important! It's the feeling of being protected from harm, whether physical, emotional, or even financial. Think of a cozy cabin during a blizzard; that's safety. A child clinging to their parent in a crowded place seeks safety. Even a strong password on your computer is about digital safety.
We talk about safety measures—things we do to prevent accidents, like wearing gloves when handling chemicals—or safety nets, support systems that catch us if we fall, like having friends and family. A lighthouse provides safety for ships, guiding them away from dangerous rocks. Sometimes, safety is a feeling of comfort and security, like the safety of home.
Safety encompasses the state of being protected from harm or danger, spanning physical, emotional, and even financial well-being. It's more than just the absence of threat; it's the presence of conditions that promote protection and security.
You might hear about "workplace safety," referring to rules and procedures designed to prevent accidents on the job. Or you could talk about "food safety," meaning practices that keep food free from contamination. "Personal safety" refers to protecting yourself from harm, like being aware of your surroundings when walking alone at night.
But safety isn't always concrete. Emotional safety means feeling secure and accepted in a relationship, able to express your feelings without fear of judgment. Financial safety is having enough resources to meet your needs and feel secure about the future.
The word can also be used more broadly. A cautious driver prioritizes the safety of everyone on the road. A well-built bridge offers safety for travelers. Even a detective investigating a crime is concerned with public safety.
Ultimately, safety isn't just a thing we have; it's something we actively create and maintain through awareness, preparation, and responsible behavior. It's about minimizing risk and maximizing protection in all aspects of life—from the mundane to the extraordinary.
Examples
- 1
Child safety
Please keep the gate closed for the children's safety.
- 2
Workplace rules
The factory introduced new safety rules after the accident.
- 3
Air travel
Flight attendants give a short safety demonstration before takeoff.
- 4
Rescue
The hikers were brought to safety by helicopter.
- Phraseto safety
to a safe place
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Lab policy
For safety reasons, the lab stays locked after 6 p.m.
- Phrasefor safety reasons
because it is safer that way
- 6
Infrastructure
The report raised serious safety concerns about the old bridge.
- 7
Online safety
Parents are worried about their children's online safety.
- 8
Nighttime spaces
Good lighting can give people a greater sense of safety at night.
- 9
Work priorities
In this job, speed matters, but safety comes first.
- Phrasecomes first
is more important than other things
- 10
Public safety
Public safety officials asked residents to stay indoors during the storm.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- well-being
- harmlessness
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- public safety
- workplace safety
- safety measures
- for your own safety
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- safetynoun
Forms
- safetiespluralnoun