safe
/seɪf/
NOUN
1. A secure container for storing valuables
A box, usually made of metal, in which valuables can be locked for safekeeping.
1.1. A locked storage container
A strong, secure container used to protect money, documents, jewelry, and other valuable possessions from theft or damage.
Synonyms
- strongbox
- lockbox
- vault
- safe-deposit box
Examples
- The family kept their important documents and jewelry in a heavy safe.
Related Words
- locker
- coffer
- chest
- cashbox
- security box
ADJECTIVE
2. A person or thing free from danger or harm
Not exposed to danger, injury, damage, or other harmful conditions.
2.1. Being out of danger
Describes a person, animal, or thing that is not in immediate danger and is protected from potential harm.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- endangered
- imperiled
- vulnerable
- threatened
- unsafe
- insecure
Examples
- After the storm passed, the residents emerged from their shelters, relieved to find their homes safe.
- The lifeguard's watchful eye made the swimming area feel safe for everyone.
Related Words
- safeguarded
- shielded
- defended
- guarded
- invulnerable
2.2. Free from risk or harmful effects
Describes something that is unlikely to cause injury, illness, damage, or other undesirable consequences when used or encountered appropriately.
Synonyms
- harmless
- innocuous
- inoffensive
- risk-free
- riskless
- nonfatal
- nonlethal
- nontoxic
- nonpoisonous
- noninfectious
Antonyms
Examples
- Always wear your seatbelt to keep yourself safe while driving.
- The product was tested to ensure that it was safe for everyday use.
Related Words
- benign
- nonthreatening
- healthful
- wholesome
2.3. Providing protection or shelter
Describes a place, object, or arrangement that offers protection against danger, attack, or adverse conditions.
Synonyms
- protective
- sheltering
- shielding
- defensive
- guarded
Antonyms
- exposed
- unprotected
- undefended
- unguarded
- vulnerable
Examples
- The sturdy shelter provided a safe place for hikers during the heavy rain.
Related Words
- safeguarding
- sheltered
- fortified
- secure
2.4. Successfully reaching or remaining on a baseball base
Used in baseball to describe a runner who reaches a base or returns to a previously occupied base without being put out.
Synonyms
- not out
- secure
- successful
Antonyms
Examples
- The runner slid into second base and was called safe.
Related Words
- base runner
- first base
- tagged
- base hit
2.5. Properly secured or fastened
Describes something that is firmly fixed, closed, or held in place so that it cannot easily move, open, or become detached.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- loose
- unfastened
- unsecured
- unfixed
- unstable
Examples
- Make sure the lid is safe and secure before transporting the container.
Related Words
- locked
- attached
- bolted
- tied
- held
2.6. Protected against a specific kind of harm
Used after a noun, often in compound expressions, to indicate that something is not susceptible to a particular source of danger or damage.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- susceptible
- vulnerable
- exposed
- susceptible to harm
Examples
- The company uses a child-safe packaging design to reduce the risk of accidental exposure.
Related Words
- waterproof
- fireproof
- weatherproof
- tamper-proof
2.7. Excellent, admirable, or impressive
Used informally as an expression of approval to describe something considered great, cool, respectable, or impressive.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- awful
- terrible
- lousy
- unimpressive
Examples
- That new music track is safe; everyone in the group loves it.
Related Words
2.8. Lenient or easy-going
Describes someone, especially a teacher or authority figure, who is not strict and tends to be tolerant or forgiving.
Synonyms
- lenient
- easy-going
- tolerant
- permissive
- indulgent
Antonyms
- strict
- harsh
- rigorous
- stern
- inflexible
Examples
- The students considered their new teacher safe because he rarely gave strict punishments.
Related Words
- relaxed
- forgiving
- compromising
2.9. Reliable and trustworthy
Describes a person, choice, or thing that can be depended on and is unlikely to disappoint or cause problems.
Synonyms
- reliable
- trustworthy
- dependable
- trustable
- trusty
- faithful
Antonyms
- unreliable
- undependable
- untrustworthy
- unfaithful
- unreliable
Examples
- She chose a safe and reliable investment for her long-term savings.
Related Words
- constant
- steadfast
- loyal
- tried-and-true
2.10. Careful and cautious
Describes someone who acts with care and attention to avoid danger, mistakes, or unnecessary risks.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- It is always wise to take a safe approach when driving in heavy rain.
Related Words
- chary
- circumspect
- foresighted
- discreet
- thoughtful
2.11. Offering predictable behavior in programming
Describes a programming language or system that provides well-defined behavior and prevents certain errors, even when programming mistakes occur.
Synonyms
- type-safe
- reliable
- secure
Antonyms
- unsafe
- error-prone
Examples
- The language is designed to provide safe memory management and prevent common programming errors.
Related Words
- memory safety
- type system
- runtime safety
- defined behavior
VERB
3. To make something safe
To protect something or someone from danger, harm, or risk.
3.1. Protecting against danger or harm
To take action to protect a person, place, or object by removing risks or preventing harmful situations.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- endanger
- jeopardize
- imperil
- expose
- threaten
Examples
- The engineers worked to safe the structure before the approaching storm.
Related Words
- fortify
- insulate
- shelter
- reinforce