noun
safety
SAYF-tee/ˈseɪfti/
Protection from danger.
For safety, the cyclist wears a helmet at the protected crossing.
Etymology
The ending makes the quality expressed by salvus into a condition: being safe or uninjured. Safety names that unharmed state and, more broadly, freedom from the danger of being harmed.
In context
Your job safety analysis or risk assessment must include PPE requirements. If you notice a task that doesn't have adequate PPE listed, speak up.
More examples
- Keep the emergency exits clear for everyone's safety.
- The firefighters lead the family to safety.
- Workers check the equipment's safety before each shift.
Forms
safe adjective — Protected from danger or accidental harm.
safely adverb — Without danger or risk of harm.
Similar words
- security
- Often emphasizes protection against deliberate threats rather than accidents.
- protection
- Emphasizes shielding someone from harm, not just being unharmed.