safety

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Technology

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

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

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

“The instructor emphasized that the safety must remain engaged until the moment the operator is prepared to discharge the firearm.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Sports American English

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

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

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

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

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Sports American English

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

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

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

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

C2 · Proficiency Technology Technical

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

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

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

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