Safety — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈsāf-tē/ safe·ty

Meaning & Definition of Safety

Safety (noun)

  1. the condition of being safe from undergoing or causing hurt, injury, or loss
  2. a device (as on a weapon or a machine) designed to prevent inadvertent or hazardous operation
  3. a situation in football in which a member of the offensive team is tackled behind its own goal line that counts two points for the defensive team

Safety (verb)

  1. to protect against failure, breakage, or accident

Word Forms of Safety

Inflections: safeties, safetied, safetying

Origin & Etymology of Safety

Middle English saufte, from Anglo-French salveté, saufté, from salf safe

First known use: 14th century

Words & Phrases Containing Safety

Frequently Asked Questions about Safety

What does "Safety" mean?

"Safety" means the condition of being safe from undergoing or causing hurt, injury, or loss. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: the condition of being safe from undergoing or causing hurt, injury, or loss. It has 4 distinct senses.

Is "Safety" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Safety" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Safety"?

"Safety" is pronounced /ˈsāf-tē/ and divided into syllables as safe·ty.

What is the origin of the word "Safety"?

"Safety" comes from Middle English saufte, from Anglo-French salveté, saufté, from salf safe. First known use: 14th century.

What does "Safety" mean as a noun?

As a noun, "Safety" means: the condition of being safe from undergoing or causing hurt, injury, or loss; a device (as on a weapon or a machine) designed to prevent inadvertent or hazardous operation; a situation in football in which a member of the offensive team is tackled behind its own goal line that counts two points for the defensive team.

What does "Safety" mean as a verb?

As a verb, "Safety" means: to protect against failure, breakage, or accident.

What are the forms of "Safety"?

The word forms of "Safety" include safeties, safetied and safetying.