# safety

/ˈseɪfti/ (US) · /sˈeɪfti/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/safety
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. protection from harm

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- The parents were worried about the safety of their children during the storm.
- The government implemented new regulations to ensure the safety of workers in high-risk industrial environments.

### 2. a locking mechanism

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. American football score

noun · CEFR C1 · American English

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. defensive player

noun · CEFR C1 · American English

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

For teachers: 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.

### 5. to secure a part

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

Usage: often used in engineering and maintenance contexts

## Examples

- The children can play here in complete safety.
- The airline's top priority is the safety of its passengers and crew during every flight.
- Strict government regulations ensure that workplace safety standards are maintained across the manufacturing sector to prevent avoidable accidents and long-term health issues.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.