safety
pronunciation
How to pronounce safety in British English:
UK [ˈseɪfti]
How to pronounce safety in American English:
US [ˈseɪfti]
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- Noun:
- the state of being certain that adverse effects will not be caused by some agent under defined conditions
- a safe place
- a device designed to prevent injury
- (baseball) the successful act of striking a baseball in such a way that the batter reaches base safely
- contraceptive device consisting of a thin rubber or latex sheath worn over the penis during intercourse
- a score in American football; a player is tackled behind his own goal line
Word Origin
- safety (n.)
- early 14c., from Old French sauvete "safety, safeguard; salvation; security, surety," earlier salvetet (11c., Modern French sauveté), from Medieval Latin salvitatem (nominative salvitas) "safety," from Latin salvus (see safe (adj.)). Meaning "trigger-lock on a gun" is attested from 1881. As a North American football position, first recorded 1931. As a type of score against one's own team, 1881. Safety-valve, which diminishes the risk of explosion, is from 1797; figurative sense recorded from 1818. Safety-net in literal sense (in machinery) by 1916, later of aerial circus performances (1920s); figurative use by 1950. Safety-first as an accident-prevention slogan first recorded 1873.
Example
- 1. Safety is not the only concern .
- 2. But dr. tu said safety could be an issue .
- 3. They prayed for my safety and began alerting the media .
- 4. Government officials insist they will not let the utility cut corners on safety .
- 5. Bolstering levees in new orleans will cost billions , but won 't guarantee the city 's safety .