safe Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun strongbox where valuables can be safely kept
  2. noun a ventilated or refrigerated cupboard for securing provisions from pests
  3. noun contraceptive device consisting of a sheath of thin rubber or latex that is worn over the penis during intercourse
    rubber; safety; prophylactic; condom.
  4. adjective free from danger or the risk of harm
    • a safe trip
    • you will be safe here
    • a safe place
    • a safe bet
  5. adjective satellite (of an undertaking) secure from risk
  6. adjective having reached a base without being put out
    • the runner was called safe when the baseman dropped the ball
  7. adjective satellite financially sound
    good; dependable; secure.
    • a good investment
    • a secure investment

WordNet


Safe adjective
Etymology
OE. sauf, F. sauf, fr. L. salvus, akin to salus health, welfare, safety. Cf. Salute, Salvation, Sage a plant, Save, Salvo an exception.
Wordforms
comparative Safer ; superlative Safest
Definitions
  1. Free from harm, injury, or risk; untouched or unthreatened by danger or injury; unharmed; unhurt; secure; whole; as, safe from disease; safe from storms; safe from foes. "And ye dwelled safe." 1 Sam. xii. 11.
    They escaped all safe all safe to land. Acts xxvii. 44.
    Established in a safe, unenvied throne. Milton.
  2. Conferring safety; securing from harm; not exposing to danger; confining securely; to be relied upon; not dangerous; as, a safe harbor; a safe bridge, etc. "The man of safe discretion." Shak.
    The King of heaven hath doomed This place our dungeon, not our safe retreat. Milton.
  3. Incapable of doing harm; no longer dangerous; in secure care or custody; as, the prisoner is safe.
    But Banquo's safe? Ay, my good lord, safe in a ditch he bides. Shak.
    safe house, a residence where a person in hiding from the authorities or other persons may stay without being discovered. Syn. -- Secure; unendangered; sure.
Safe noun
Definitions
  1. A place for keeping things in safety. Specifically: (a) A strong and fireproof receptacle (as a movable chest of steel, etc., or a closet or vault of brickwork) for money, valuable papers, or the like. (b) A ventilated or refrigerated chest or closet for securing provisions from noxious animals or insects.
Safe transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To render safe; to make right. Obs. Shak.

Webster 1913