safety

Safety describes a state of being protected from potential harm or something that has been designed to protect and prevent harm. (noun)

See safety in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun pl. safeties

the quality or condition of being safe; freedom from danger, injury, or damage; security
any of certain devices for preventing an accident or an undesirable effect; specif.,
1. a catch or locking device on a firearm that prevents it from firing
  also safety catch or safety lock
2. Slang a condom
☆ Baseball base hit
☆ Football
1. a play in which the defensive team is awarded two points as by tackling the offensive ball carrier behind the offensive team's goal line
2. a defensive back who is primarily responsible for covering pass receivers in the middle of the defensive backfield

adjective

giving safety; reducing danger or harm

See safety in American Heritage Dictionary 4

(sāfˈtē)

noun pl. safe·ties

The condition of being safe; freedom from danger, risk, or injury.
A device designed to prevent accidents, as a lock on a firearm preventing accidental firing.
Football
a. A play in which a member of the offensive team downs the ball, willingly or unwillingly, behind his own goal line, resulting in two points for the defensive team.
b. One of two defensive backs; a safetyman.

Learn more about safety

» safety synonyms

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