unsafe
adj. · v.-
1 dangerous (adj.) A2 Elementarydangerous and likely to cause harm or an accident.
not safe; involving or exposing someone to risk, danger, or harm.
ExampleThe old wooden bridge was unsafe to cross after the heavy rain.
ExampleThe building inspector declared the structure unsafe for habitation due to significant cracks in the foundation and faulty electrical wiring.
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2 legal verdict (adj.) C1 Advanced Formal Technical Lawused to describe a legal decision that is probably wrong or unfair.
referring to a legal conviction or verdict that is considered likely to be a miscarriage of justice.
ExampleThe court decided the original conviction was unsafe because of new evidence.
ExampleThe appeals court ruled the verdict unsafe, citing the prosecution's failure to disclose critical forensic evidence during the initial trial.
UsageIn British legal contexts, 'unsafe' is the standard term for a conviction that must be overturned.
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3 to prepare a weapon (v.) C2 Proficiency Technicalto change a gun's setting so it is ready to fire.
to remove the safety catch or mechanism from a firearm to make it ready for discharge.
ExampleThe soldier was ordered to unsafe his weapon as they approached the target.
ExampleThe protocol requires the operator to unsafe the device only after confirming the target's coordinates and receiving final clearance.
UsageThis is a transitive verb and is relatively rare outside of military or technical manuals.
From un- (not) + safe.
From un- (reversive prefix) + safe.