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safety

n. · v.
US //ˈseɪfti// UK //sˈeɪfti// safe·ty
  1. 1 protection from harm (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the state of being safe and protected from danger or injury.

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

    Example

    The parents were worried about the safety of their children during the storm.

    Example

    The government implemented new regulations to ensure the safety of workers in high-risk industrial environments.
  2. 2 a locking mechanism (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical

    a switch or lock on a machine or gun that prevents it from working by accident.

    a mechanism, such as a catch or lock, designed to prevent the accidental operation of a device or the firing of a weapon.

    Example

    Always make sure the safety is on before you clean the equipment.

    Example

    The instructor emphasized that the safety must remain engaged until the moment the operator is prepared to discharge the firearm.
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  1. 3 American football score (n.)
    C1 Advanced American English Sport

    a way to score two points in American football when the attacking team is tackled in their own end zone.

    a scoring play worth two points, occurring when the ball carrier is tackled in their own end zone or the ball becomes dead there.

    Example

    The game was so close that a single safety decided the winner.

    Example

    The defense managed to trap the quarterback in the end zone, resulting in a safety that shifted the momentum of the game.

  2. 4 defensive player (n.)
    C1 Advanced American English Sport

    a defensive player in American football who stays furthest back to stop long passes.

    a defensive back who lines up furthest from the line of scrimmage, acting as the last line of defense against long passes and runs.

    Example

    The safety ran across the field to intercept the deep pass.

    Example

    As the last line of defense, the free safety must possess exceptional speed and the ability to read the quarterback's intentions.

  3. 5 to secure a part (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Technical

    to fix a part of a machine tightly so it does not fall off.

    to secure a mechanical component, particularly in aviation or high-vibration environments, to prevent it from loosening or detaching.

    Example

    The mechanic had to safety the bolts to make sure they stayed tight during the flight.

    Example

    Technicians are required to safety every critical fastener on the engine housing to withstand the extreme vibrations of takeoff.

    Usage

    often used in engineering and maintenance contexts
Origin

Inherited from Middle English savete, from Old French sauveté, from earlier salvetet, from Medieval Latin salvitās, salvitātem, from Latin salvus.

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