noun
safety
An American football play that awards two points to the defense.
The defense scores a safety when the ball carrier is tackled in his own end zone.
Etymology
The football term developed in connection with retreating to one's own goal area for safety. The modern scoring rule gives the opposing defense two points.
More examples
- A safety gave the team two points.
- The game included two safeties.
- The referee signaled a safety after the play.
Forms
safety · safeties