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¹safe

adjective \ˈsāf\

: not able or likely to be hurt or harmed in any way : not in danger

: not able or likely to be lost, taken away, or given away

: not involving or likely to involve danger, harm, or loss

saf·ersaf·est

Full Definition of SAFE

: free from harm or risk : unhurt

a : secure from threat of danger, harm, or loss

b : successful at getting to a base in baseball without being put out

: affording safety or security from danger, risk, or difficulty

obsolete of mental or moral faculties : healthy, sound

a : not threatening danger : harmless

b : unlikely to produce controversy or contradiction

a : not likely to take risks : cautious

b : trustworthy, reliable

— safe or safe·ly adverb

— safe·ness noun

See safe defined for English-language learners

See safe defined for kids

Origin of SAFE

Middle English sauf, from Anglo-French salf, sauf, from Latin salvus safe, healthy; akin to Latin solidus solid, Greek holos whole, safe, Sanskrit sarva entire

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to SAFE

Synonyms: all right, alright, secure, home free

Antonyms: endangered, exposed, imperiled (or imperilled), insecure, liable, open, subject (to), susceptible, threatened, unsafe, violable, vulnerable

Rhymes with SAFE

chafe, kef, strafe, waif

²safe

noun

: a strong metal box with a lock that is used to store money or valuable things

Full Definition of SAFE

: a place or receptacle to keep articles (as valuables) safe

: condom 1

See safe defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of SAFE

15th century

Related to SAFE

Synonyms: coffer, safe-deposit box, strongbox

SAFENESS Defined for Kids

¹safe

adjective \ˈsāf\

saf·ersaf·est

Definition of SAFE for Kids

: free or secure from harm or danger <I don't feel safe here.>

: giving protection or security against harm or danger <a safe neighborhood>

: harmless <safe drinking water>

: unlikely to be wrong or cause disagreement <a safe answer>

: not likely to take risks : careful <a safe driver>

: successful in reaching a base in baseball

— safe·ly adverb

Synonym Discussion of SAFE

safe and secure mean free from danger. safe is used of freedom from a present danger. <I felt safe as soon as I crossed the street.> secure is used of freedom from a possible future danger or risk. <The locks on the door made us feel secure.>

²safe

noun

Definition of SAFE for Kids

: a metal box with a lock that is used for keeping something (as money) safe

Medical Dictionary

safe

adjective \ˈsāf\

saf·ersaf·est

Medical Definition of SAFE

: not causing harm or injury; especially : having a low incidence of adverse reactions and significant side effects when adequate instructions for use are given and having a low potential for harm under conditions of widespread availability <a list of drugs generally regarded as safe> <safe use in pregnancy has not been established—Emergency Medicine>

—safe·ty \ˈsāf-tē\ noun, plural safe·ties