Word
safekeeping
Phoneticssafe·keep·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈseɪfˈkipɪŋ/
UK/sˈeɪfkiːpɪŋ/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. keeping something safe and protected until you need it again. You use it when someone looks after your valuables for you.
n. protection and secure custody of valuables or documents on behalf of another, with the expectation of future return.
Examples
“I leave my passport with my sister for safekeeping.”
“The neighbour keeps a spare key for safekeeping while the family is on holiday.”
“The archive accepted the fragile letters for safekeeping, storing them in climate-controlled vaults until scholars could study them.”
Examples
simple
“I leave my passport with my sister for safekeeping.”
contextual
“The neighbour keeps a spare key for safekeeping while the family is on holiday.”
complex
“The archive accepted the fragile letters for safekeeping, storing them in climate-controlled vaults until scholars could study them.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “safekeeping” in context.
Verb
01. entrust for safekeeping
“He entrusted the family jewels to his sister for safekeeping during the move.”
verb + prep + noun
02. hold in safekeeping
“The solicitor holds the original deeds in safekeeping for her clients.”
verb + prep + noun
03. keep in safekeeping
“The school keeps all passports in safekeeping during the trip abroad.”
verb + prep + noun
04. leave for safekeeping
“Guests can leave valuables for safekeeping at the front desk.”
verb + prep + noun
05. place in safekeeping
“They placed the heirloom necklace in safekeeping at the bank vault.”
verb + prep + noun
Adjective
06. safe safekeeping
“She left her passport at reception for safe safekeeping during her stay.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. place of safekeeping
“The hotel safe serves as a reliable place of safekeeping for guests.”
noun + prep + noun
08. receipt for safekeeping
“The clerk issued a receipt for safekeeping when I handed over the keys.”
noun + prep + noun
09. entrust documents for safekeeping
“She entrusted the property documents for safekeeping to her lawyer.”
10. for safe safekeeping
“Store your tickets away for safe safekeeping until the day of travel.”
11. keep passport in safekeeping
“Our teacher keeps our passports in safekeeping throughout the school trip.”
12. leave valuables for safekeeping
“We left our valuables for safekeeping at the hotel reception desk.”
Usage
Typically appears in the phrases 'for safekeeping' and 'in safekeeping'.
Real-World Examples
“However, the misplaced gems had been found and held for safekeeping by a hotel she stayed in.” “Sources told Reuters last week that Beijing has further reined in bank lending by telling banks to hand over their margin deposits to the central bank for safekeeping, the latest step in China's long campaign against inflation.” Etymology
From safe + keeping.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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