请输入您要查询的英文单词：

　

单词 safe
释义

safen.

Brit. /seɪf/, U.S. /seɪf/
Forms: late Middle English saaf, late Middle English 1600s saffe, late Middle English 1600s saue, 1500s– safe.
Origin: Formed within English, by conversion; modelled on a French lexical item. Etymons: safe adj., save v.
Etymology: In sense 1 < safe adj., after Anglo-Norman Middle French sauf, use as noun of sauf safe adj., in the phrase en sauf in a safe place, in safety (c1180 in Old French in mettre en sauf to keep safe, preserve; compare also in this sense Anglo-Norman and Middle French poser en sauf (14th cent. or earlier)). In sense 2 perhaps originally < save v. (compare variants at that entry), later remodelled after safe adj.
†1.
a. in safe: in a safe place, in safety. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > [adverb]
safelya1393
sounda1400
in safe?a1425
soundlyc1440
the world > action or operation > safety > perfectly safe [phrase] > in safety or security
in safe?a1425
in safeguard?c1450
in (into) covert1477
?a1425 MS Hunterian 95 f. 147, in Middle Eng. Dict. at Sauf Stere it wele to it be colde..and grynde it ryȝte wele and putt it in saffe.
c1450 tr. G. Deguileville Pilgrimage Lyfe Manhode (Cambr.) (1869) 13 The official turned him and bar with him the oynementes and putte hem in saaf.
1560 B. Googe tr. ‘M. Palingenius’ Zodyake of Lyfe ii. sig. B.viv Fewe alas doe knowe: Which way their iourney well to take or where in safe to rowe.
1581 J. Studley tr. Seneca Hercules Oetæus ii, in T. Newton et al. tr. Seneca 10 Trag. f. 199 He could in safe to Italy repayre.
b. with safe: with safety, safely. Obsolete. rare.
ΚΠ
1569 T. Preston Lamentable Trag. Cambises E 3 b If I with safe may graunt this deed, I will it not refuse.
2. A receptacle for the safe storage of articles.
a. A well-ventilated chest or cupboard for protecting provisions from insects, rodents, etc.; spec. = meat safe n. at meat n. Compounds 2.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > place for storing food > [noun] > ventilated cupboard
safe1440
Promptorium Parvulorum (Harl. 221) 10 Almery of mete kepynge, or a saue for mete, cibutum.
1611 R. Cotgrave Dict. French & Eng. Tongues Chasiere,..the great, or grated Saue hung, by a pulley, to the top of a Dayrie-house, or Store-house; and seruing to keepe cheese, white-meates, and other belly-timber in.
1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory (1905) iii. xiv. 17/2 The Arke or Safe, is a kind of little house made of wood and couered with haire cloth, and so by two rings hung in the midle of a Rome, thereby to secure all things put therein from the cruelty of devouring Rats, mice [etc.].
1706 Phillips's New World of Words (new ed.) Safe, a sort of Cup-board to keep Victuals, contrived with Holes to let in the Air.
1737 S. Carolina Gaz. 13–20 Aug. 3/2 Lately imported from London, and to be sold reasonably, for ready Money..viz. the best London double refin'd Sugar..Safes, [etc.].
1834 Archit. Mag. Oct. 306 A separate safe should be provided for vegetables and fruits, and for game.
1881 B. W. Richardson in Good Words 22 51/2 Whenever the air of the safe is close and tainted,..have it fumigated with antiseptic gas.
1925 L. E. H. Whitby Nurses' Handbk. Hygiene iv. 73 Preventive measures against the spread of this disease [sc. dysentery] involve..the proper protection of all foodstuffs in fly-proof safes.
2004 M. W. Adamson Food in Medieval Times ii. 61 To keep the flies away, meat was put in safes that allowed some airflow.
b. A strong, usually fireproof metal container for the secure storage of money, deeds, and other valuables, having one or more doors with elaborate locks.Typically found in business premises, with smaller versions in private homes. Sometimes built into a wall. In banks, safes are typically spaces large enough to walk into, frequently with several rooms; cf. vault n.1 Additions.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > money > place for keeping money > money box or chest > [noun] > safe
safe1668
safe deposit1768
salamander safe1840
box1891
pete1909
keister1913
night safe1930
pete box1930
the mind > possession > supply > storage > [noun] > place where anything is or may be stored > place of safe storage > specific
safe1668
strongroom1676
safe deposit1768
1668 in C. B. Gunn Church Lyne & Megget 55 3 s. 4 d. for building of a safe at the east end of the kirk.
1796 Trial Phœnix Assurance Co. & Mr. James Brown 54 As to the key of the iron safe, where was that usually kept?
1820 in Rec. Early Hist. Boston (1909) XXXIX. 174 A fire proof safe in the Selectmens room for the security of the records.
1838 A. Bethune Sc. Peasant's Fire-side 70 A penknife..and a letter..were found lying near the safe, as if they had been lost by the robber.
1850 J. Chubb On Constr. Locks & Keys 17 The bank may be entered, the misnamed safe, or strong room, be entered.
1874 J. T. Micklethwaite Mod. Parish Churches 164 An iron fire-proof safe must be built into the wall.
1904 Daily Chron. 29 Sept. 1/6 Safes,..fire and thief-resisting.
1960 Observer 24 Jan. 5/1 Nitro-glycerine in liquid form, to pour through a little plasticine channel to blow the fashionable combination lock safes.
2006 C. Evans & L. Evans Thailand 36 Most hotel rooms have personal safes; if yours does not, the hotel will most likely have a safe at reception.
3. A tray installed under a plumbing fixture to catch splashed or spilled water. Cf. safing n. 1. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > receptacle or container > [noun] > for fluid > to catch spilled water
safe1853
safetray1879
1853 C. McIntosh Bk. Garden I. ix. 479/2 Figs. 682 to 685 shows [sic] the bath-room and its conveniences..: lead safe of washhand basin;..waste-pipe from safe.
1862 Internat. Exhib.: Illustr. Catal. Industr. Dept. II. xxxi. §6392 Patent Bath, sienna marbled inside, verdantique outside. Taps and safe fitted.
1896 T. E. Coleman Sanitary House Drainage xvi. 129 The floor of the bath-room should be laid with mosaic..the bath standing within a properly constructed safe, which may be made of slate, marble, glazed earthenware, or tiles.
1913 E. H. Blake Drainage & Sanitation vi. 176 The lead safe under the cistern must have a waste pipe which should be carried through an external wall.
4. Saddlery. A leather shield placed under a buckle to protect the horse or saddle from chafing. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > keeping or management of horses > horse-gear > [noun] > other gear
trainel1283
forelock1467
trannet1504
lungec1721
allonge1773
long rein1775
housing1809
bandage1828
ankle boot1835
setting muzzle1835
nosebag1839
foot rope1854
breast-cord1861
safe1875
snubbing-post1875
toggery1877
crib-muzzlea1884
1875 E. H. Knight Amer. Mech. Dict. III. 2015/2 Safe,..a piece of leather placed under a buckle, to prevent it from chafing.
1962 R. S. Summerhays Encycl. Horsemen (new ed.) 127 Girth safes, safes which prevent the girth buckles from penetrating the saddle flaps.
1981 R. H. Beatie Saddles Gloss. 354/2 Chape (cavalry), a leather plate which attaches the metal cinch-strap ring of a McClellan saddle to the safe.
5. The operative position of a firearm's safety device; the state in which a gun cannot be fired. Chiefly in on (also at) safe: having the safety catch set. Cf. safety n. 9.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > military equipment > weapon > device for discharging missiles > firearm > parts and fittings of firearms > [noun] > trigger > safety catch > safe position of
safe1887
1887 ‘20-bore’ Pract. Hints Shooting 166 Numbers of shots are lost by having the piece only half-cocked or on ‘safe’.
1904 E. S. Farrow Amer. Small Arms 129 The chances were that some day he thought it was automatic and on safe,..and the thing went off unexpectedly.
1920 G. Burrard Notes on Sporting Rifles 71 One may..fail to stop a dangerous charge through the rifle being at ‘safe’.
1967 V. Canning Python Project ii. 31 I hope you've got that damned thing on ‘safe’?
1978 F. Ross Sleeping Dogs 127 The safety catch was off. He clicked it to ‘safe’ and tossed it on the carpet.
1986 T. Clancy Red Storm Rising (1988) xxi. 319 And make Goddamned sure those weapons are on safe!
2005 E. Lawrence Tactical Pistol Shooting iii. 47 Release the slide, and place the pistol back on safe.
6. colloquial (originally U.S.). A condom. Cf. earlier French safe n. at French adj. and n. Compounds 1b.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sexual relations > contraception or birth control > [noun] > a contraceptive > condom
condom?1706
armour1708
machine1749
protective1827
French letter?1844
sheath1861
French safe1868
letterc1890
rubber1913
Durex1932
prophylactic1934
raincoat1934
male condom1938
Trojan1951
safety1952
safe1959
Frenchy1963
scumbag1967
internal condom1969
franger1975
dicksack1996
1959 V. Packard Status Seekers xi. 155 Young Italian-American men..of high-school age regularly carry ‘safes’ or condoms.
1979 E. Koch Good Night Little Spy x. 94 Just in time he remembered his safe. He took it out of his pants pocket.
1996 K. J. Carlson et al. Harvard Guide Women's Health (2004) 81/2 Also called a rubber, prophylactic, or safe, a male condom is a sheath worn over a man's erect penis to catch sperm.
2006 M. Trottier Three Songs for Courage xv. 232 Every sexual inanity he had ever heard spoken;..I'll respect you tomorrow; I'll wear a safe (I don't even have a safe; I have never even owned a safe).

Compounds

C1. General attributive (chiefly in sense 2b).
safe door n.
ΚΠ
1816 F. Van Heythuysen Equity Draftsman 135 A pass key to the lock of the safe door, and to other locks on the partnership premises.
1911 Encycl. Brit. XXIII. 997/1 Where larger quantities of valuables had to be preserved,..a safe-door of larger dimensions would be made and attached to a masonry or brick room.
1995 M. Lawrence et al. Which? Guide Home Safety & Security ii. 136 One [mini-safe] is designed to resemble a double electrical socket outlet, with the faceplate acting as the safe door.
safe key n.
ΚΠ
1836 N.-Y. Spectator 8 Sept. A large pass door key, an iron padlock key, and an iron safe key, either lost or stolen.
1894 ‘M. Twain’ Pudd'nhead Wilson xix, in Cent. Mag. May 22/1 His plan was, to..steal the safe-key..and then go back and rob the safe.
1992 D. Robins Tarnished Vision vii. 62 Mark tried to persuade Steve to hand over the safe keys.
C2. Objective, in nouns designating a burglar who breaks open safes, or the criminal action or occupation of breaking open locked safes. See also safe-blower n. at Compounds 2b.
a.
safe-breaker n. originally U.S.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > thief > burglar > [noun] > safe-breaker
chest-breaker1604
screwsman1819
safe-breaker1860
safe-blower1867
safe-cracker1873
peterman1900
gopher man1901
yegg1903
yeggman1906
pete-man1907
tool-man1909
1860 Russell's Mag. Oct. 28/1 Miss Nelly Mason might live and die in the belief that she had been beguiled into doing the polite to a safe-breaker.
1870 M. H. Smith 20 Years Wall St. xxv. 320 A safe-breaker from Boston, a bank-robber from Philadelphia, a New York thief.
1938 F. D. Sharpe Sharpe of Flying Squad xiv. 151 She was acting as look out or ‘outside man’ for two expert safe breakers.
1977 J. Wainwright Nest of Rats i. vii. 46 The genuine peterman—the safe-breaker who takes a personal pride in pitting his wits against those of the safe-makers.
1993 R. Murphy Smash & Grab iv. 46/2 The safe-breaker had a new weapon in his arsenal—gelignite.
safe-breaking n.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > burglary > [noun] > safe-breaking
safe-breaking1865
safe-blowing1868
safe-cracking1872
1865 Times 2 Mar. 7/7 We have never known or heard..of a safe of our make having been opened by the violence of thieves... We have met and baffled every phase of safe-breaking as it has arisen.
1937 ‘M. Innes’ Hamlet, Revenge! ii. ii. 115 The burglary and safe-breaking had been unsuccessful.
1993 R. Murphy Smash & Grab iv. 46/1 Safe-breaking required the sort of skill, co-ordination and craftsmanship which had characterized the country house burglar.
safe-burster n.
ΚΠ
1869 N. Amer. & U.S. Gaz. 21 Aug. There are..75 safe-blowers, 75 safe-bursters, and 200 safe-breakers.
1873 G. Lening Dark Side N.Y. Life 148 Then those who, not using powder, have recourse to mechanical means, these are ‘safe bursters’ par excellence.
1999 E. G. Burrows & M. Wallace Gotham iv. lvi. 1000 Bank robbers ranked from bank-sneaks of the first class at the top down through damper-sneaks, safe-blowers, safe-bursters, and, the lowest grade, safe-breakers.
safe-buster n.
ΚΠ
1873 G. Lening Dark Side N.Y. Life 148 Following next to the bank robbers and bank thieves come the Safe Busters.
1916 J. Lait Beef, Iron & Wine ix. 162 The cops says he was a pal o' mine—a pal o' the notorious son o' the notorious safebuster an' the notorious shoplifter.
1974 ‘M. Innes’ Mysterious Comm. (2001) xvii. 140 He might have..contacted a suitable gang of safe-busters or whatever they were called.
safe-opener n.
ΚΠ
1866 W. Reid After War xxxvii. 384 (advt.) Wilson & Co., U. S. A., General Burglars and House and Safe Openers. Orders respectfully solicited.
1970 H. Trevelyan Middle East in Revol. 251 The combination lock was stuck... Miraculously, an amateur safe-opener appeared and did the trick.
2002 S. A. Dumaux King Baggot 233 Papa misses his ‘dearest’ and thinks she is locked in the safe. He runs out to find a safe-opener.
safe robber n.
ΚΠ
1865 Daily Evening Bull. (San Francisco) 28 June (headline) More of the San Mateo safe-robbers.
1959 J. Cary Captive & Free xxvii. 124 He might have been a test pilot, a racing motorist, an explorer, a climber of Himalayan peaks; or perhaps a cat burglar, safe-robber, or hold-up man.
1992 Filmfax Feb. 77/3 He wants Estrellita so wholeheartedly that he amputates his..career as safe robber.
safe robbery n.
ΚΠ
1861 Daily Cleveland (Ohio) Herald 18 Jan. 1/7 The jury have rendered a verdict of guilty against..the person on trial for the Adams Express safe robbery.
2006 R. J. R. Levesque Psychol. & Law of Criminal Justice Processes vi. 276 He entered a guilty plea to a single count of attempted safe robbery.
b.
safe-blower n. originally U.S. a robber who uses explosives to open safes.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > thief > burglar > [noun] > safe-breaker
chest-breaker1604
screwsman1819
safe-breaker1860
safe-blower1867
safe-cracker1873
peterman1900
gopher man1901
yegg1903
yeggman1906
pete-man1907
tool-man1909
1867 N. Amer. & U.S. Gaz. 7 Aug. The prisoners are both old men, and are said to be..the most expert safe-blowers in this country.
1951 P. G. Wodehouse Old Reliable iv. 51 Are you a safeblower magically gifted with the art of buttling, or a butler who has somehow picked up the knack of blowing safes?
2006 D. Thomas Villains' Paradise vii. 141 Their safe-blower was successful in muffling the blast.
safe-blowing n. originally U.S. the action or occupation of using explosives to blow open safes.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > burglary > [noun] > safe-breaking
safe-breaking1865
safe-blowing1868
safe-cracking1872
1868 N. Amer. & U.S. Gaz. 24 Sept. Safe blowing. The store..was entered by burglars on Thursday night. The safe was blown open.
1912 Collier's 28 Dec. 15/3 Beware of the beautiful ladies who have porch-climbing, safe-blowing pals.
1928 H. Asbury Gangs of N.Y. x. §2. 217 [Marm Mandelbaum] also offered advanced courses in burglary and safe-blowing.
1970 ‘D. Halliday’ Dolly & Cookie Bird viii. 113 We amuse ourselves with safeblowing.
2007 Z. Lin Policing Wild North-west iv. 108 A case of safe-blowing in Weyburn, when a loud explosion occurred.
safe-cracker n. originally U.S. = safe-breaker n. at Compounds 2a; (also) a burglar who is expert at opening a safe's combination lock.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > thief > burglar > [noun] > safe-breaker
chest-breaker1604
screwsman1819
safe-breaker1860
safe-blower1867
safe-cracker1873
peterman1900
gopher man1901
yegg1903
yeggman1906
pete-man1907
tool-man1909
1873 Daily Evening Bull. (San Francisco) 25 July Zoby Spring, a first-class burglar and accomplished safe-cracker.
1960 Times 27 May 18/6 His hero, Bob, is an (almost) reformed safe-cracker.
2002 Time Out 2 Jan. 103/1 De Niro is the master safe-cracker seduced into one last job.
safe-cracking n. the criminal action or occupation of breaking open locked safes, or of decoding their combination locks.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > burglary > [noun] > safe-breaking
safe-breaking1865
safe-blowing1868
safe-cracking1872
1872 Times 9 Sept. 5/1 Burglars are among the accomplished artizans of our time, and we do not confidently say that anything in the safe-cracking line is impossible to them.
1967 Times 28 Feb. (Canada Suppl.) 31 Montreal claimed that it had more..safecrackings than any other city in the world.
2008 N.Y. Rev. Bks. 14 Aug. 24/1 Eddie..turned to petty crime, less petty when he graduated to gelignite and safe-cracking.

Derivatives

† safed adj. Obsolete provided with a safe for securing money and valuable objects.Apparently an isolated use.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > money > place for keeping money > money box or chest > [adjective] > furnished with a safe
safed1881
1881 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. 129 176 A solidly furnished though dismal apartment, duly safed and grated.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2011; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

safeadj.int.

Brit. /seɪf/, U.S. /seɪf/, South African English /seɪf/
Forms:

α. Middle English saauf, Middle English sauff, Middle English sauue, Middle English sawf, Middle English sowfe, Middle English–1500s sauf, Middle English–1500s saufe, Middle English–1500s sauffe; Scottish pre-1700 saufe, pre-1700 sauff, pre-1700 sauffe, pre-1700 sauve, pre-1700 sawf, pre-1700 sawff, pre-1700 sawffe, pre-1700 1900s– sauf.

β. Middle English saafe, Middle English saaff, Middle English saff, Middle English saue, Middle English–1500s saaf, Middle English–1500s saf, Middle English–1500s save, Middle English–1600s saffe, Middle English– safe, late Middle English saak (transmission error), late Middle English seyue; English regional 1800s saaf (Yorkshire), 1800s saf (Devon), 1800s sef (Lancashire), 1800s syaf (north-eastern), 1800s– saafe (Lincolnshire), 1800s– seaf (northern), 1800s– seaff (northern), 1800s– seeaf (Yorkshire), 1800s– zaff (Devon); Scottish pre-1700 saaf, pre-1700 saf, pre-1700 saff, pre-1700 saffe, pre-1700 saue, pre-1700 save, pre-1700 sawe, pre-1700 seaff, pre-1700 1700s– safe.

γ. Middle English–1600s saif, Middle English–1600s sayfe, 1500s sailf, 1500s–1600s saife, 1500s–1600s saiffe, 1600s saiff, 1800s– zaayfe (English regional (Berkshire)); Scottish pre-1700 saif, pre-1700 saife, pre-1700 saiff, pre-1700 saiffe, pre-1700 sailf, pre-1700 saiv, pre-1700 sayf.

δ. Middle English–1500s salue, Middle English–1500s saulf, Middle English–1600s salf, Middle English–1600s salfe, Middle English–1600s salve, late Middle English self (perhaps transmission error), 1500s–1600s salffe, 1500s–1600s saulfe; Scottish pre-1700 salf, pre-1700 salfe, pre-1700 salue, pre-1700 salve, pre-1700 saulf, pre-1700 saulfe, pre-1700 saulff.

Origin: A borrowing from French. Etymons: French salf, salve.
Etymology: < Anglo-Norman salf, Anglo-Norman and Old French, Middle French sauf, Old French saf, salv, Middle French saulf, sauff (feminine Anglo-Norman and Old French salve, save, Anglo-Norman and Old French, Middle French sauve, Middle French saulve, sauffve; French sauf (feminine sauve )) saved, who has attained eternal salvation (end of the 10th cent.), intact, unharmed (1130–40), in good health (1155), (of a place) secure, not dangerous (13th cent.) < classical Latin salvus (of persons) secure, unharmed, unimpaired in health, still alive or existing, immune from punishment, (of a country) secure, unharmed, (of circumstances) in a good or sound state, well, (of things) intact, undamaged, surviving, extant, still holding good, in post-classical Latin also saved (in a Christian sense) (Vulgate), possessing rights of sanctuary (10th cent.) < the same Indo-European base (though with different vocalism) as ancient Greek ὅλος (Ionic οὖλος ) whole, Sanskrit sarva all, whole. (The same base without the suffix is seen in Old Latin sollus whole. The zero grade of classical Latin salvus is also seen in classical Latin salūt- , salūs health.) Compare save prep., save conj., and see discussion at that entry.Compare Old Occitan salv , Catalan salva (1399), Spanish salvo (mid 10th cent.), Portuguese salvo (13th cent), Italian salvo (1264). In safe and sure at Phrases 4 after Anglo-Norman and Middle French sauf et seur (1215 or earlier); with sure and safe compare Anglo-Norman seur et sauf (14th cent. or earlier); with Phrases 4 more generally and with safe and sound at Phrases 1 compare also Anglo-Norman and Old French, Middle French sain et sauf (c1138), Italian sano e salvo (1353), classical Latin sānus et salvus , salvus sānus , classical Latin salvus et sospes , etc. For vouch..safe , safe vouch see vouchsafe v.
I. Free from hurt or damage; unharmed.
†1. Christian Church. Delivered from sin or condemnation, saved; in a state of salvation. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > aspects of faith > spirituality > salvation, redemption > [adjective] > saved
safec1300
chosen1382
saveda1400
ransomedc1425
redempt?a1430
pre-electc1475
elect1526
redeemed1538
elected1548
redempted1623
Israelistic1684
c1300 All Souls (Laud) l. 114 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 423 Þou miȝht i-wyte þat ich am sauf ȝwane þou ne finst me nonmore.
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Deeds xvi. 31 Bileue thou in to the Lord Jhesu, and thou schalt be saf [L. salvus eris; Gk. σωθήση].
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 19967 (MED) All to be sauf o sin and scam, þat wald tru in his hali nam.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Gött.) l. 10867 His folk all saf [Vesp. saued] þan sal he make, And bring þaim vte of sinne and wrake.
a1425 (a1400) Prick of Conscience (Galba & Harl.) (1863) l. 2959 Bot yhit has the saul mare drede þan, Til þe dome be [MS by] gyven and it may se Whether it sal dampned or saufe be.
c1475 (c1399) Mum & Sothsegger (Cambr. Ll.4.14) (1936) Prol. l. 81 As my soule be saff from synne at myn ende.
1494 W. Hilton Scala Perfeccionis (de Worde) i. xli. sig. dviv Some by sorowe..some by prechyng & techyng..shall be saaf & come to blisse.
1563 N. Winȝet Certain Tractates (1888) I. 81 God makis ws sauff be the lawar of regeneratioun [Titus iii. 5].
1613 I. F. Christes Bloodie Sweat sig. D3 And beare the Crosse and conquer in like manner, Safe Souldiers fighting vnder Christ his banner.
2. In sound health, well; healed, cured, restored to health. Also safe and sound (see Phrases 1). Also with of. Now archaic and rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > [adjective] > of health: good > healthy
wholeeOE
isoundOE
i-sundfulc1000
ferec1175
soundc1175
fish-wholea1225
forthlyc1230
steadfasta1300
wella1300
safec1300
tidya1325
halec1330
quartc1330
well-faringc1330
well-tempered1340
well-disposeda1398
wealyc1400
furnished1473
mighty?a1475
quartful?c1475
good1527
wholesomea1533
crank1548
healthful1550
healthy1552
hearty1552
healthsome1563
well-affected?1563
disposed1575
as sound as a bell1576
firm1577
well-conditioned1580
sound1605
unvaletudinary1650
all right1652
valid1652
as sound as a (alsoany) roach1655
fair-like1663
hoddy1664
wanton1674
stout?1697
trig1704
well-hained1722
sprack1747
caller1754
sane1755
finely1763
bobbish1780
cleverly1784
right1787
smart1788
fine1791
eucratic1795
nobbling1825
as right as a trivet1835
first rate1841
in fine, good, high, etc., feather1844
gay1855
sprackish1882
game ball1905
abled1946
well-toned1952
a hundred per cent1960
oke1960
the world > health and disease > healing > recovery > [adjective] > recovered
yheledc900
wholeeOE
safec1300
halec1330
healeda1400
recovered1477
bettered?1533
resuscitated1576
wella1616
stout?1697
a hundred per cent1960
c1300 St. Leonard (Laud) l. 51 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 458 Þe Quen a-non þoruȝh is bone deliuered was of childe, In guod lif, and hire child al-so..Þe king i-say þe Quene sauf, and þat child al-so.
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Luke xviii. 42 Thi feith hath maad thee saaf [L. te salvum fecit].
?c1450 Life St. Cuthbert (1891) l. 3661 Þe seke man with' his hand he blisse; Fra he him touched safe he was.
1486 Bk. St. Albans c vj b Put som in the Roofe of her mowth and she shall be saafe.
a1500 (?a1425) tr. Secreta Secret. (Lamb.) 92 He þat drynkys it, with þe sauour þeroff he shall fele hele, and he shal be sauf of catarre, of Malencoly..and of many oþer syknes.
1526 Bible (Tyndale) Luke viii. f. lxxxix Thy fayth hath made the safe.
1572 J. Sadler tr. Vegetius Foure Bks. Martiall Policye i. xx. f. 9v For needes must he fight more boldlye, that beinge safe of breast and heade, standes not in feare of woundinge.
1795 Notes on Creech's Lucretius in Compl. Edition Poets Great Brit. XIII. 456/1 When any part of the body dies, or is cut off, the soul does not therfore die, nor is it therfore cut off: but remains safe and whole in the other sound and whole parts of the body.
1997 P. Stewart & J. Vaché tr. J.-J. Rousseau Julie iii. xxv. 325 My dear friend, I hope God will bring you back safe of body and heart from this long voyage.
3.
a. In predicative use. Unhurt, uninjured, unharmed; having escaped or been preserved from some real or apprehended danger. Often with adverbial force, or understood as adv. (cf. safely adv. 1).
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > [adjective]
safec1325
unharmed1340
safe and soona1393
sicker and safea1398
halea1400
lotlessa1400
harmless1418
unsunkc1586
hunk1856
hunky1861
c1325 (c1300) Chron. Robert of Gloucester (Calig.) l. 6895 Hire vet beþ þanne sauf wiþoute wemminge.
1340 Ayenbite (1866) 36 Þet hi habbe, huet cas yualle, hire catel sauf.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 11546 (MED) Þai ferd al sauf in to þair kyth.
c1405 (c1395) G. Chaucer Canon's Yeoman's Tale (Ellesmere) (1875) G. §3. l. 950 Somtyme his good is drenched in the see And somtyme comth it sauf vn-to the londe.
?1473 W. Caxton tr. R. Le Fèvre Recuyell Hist. Troye (1894) I. lf. 108 Ye shall retorne saulf fro this entrepryse.
a1500 (?c1450) Merlin xxvii. 559 That ye sholde yeve hym trewys saf to come and saf to go..be-twene this and yole.
a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 45 As gud marynerys..bryng theyr schype save out of tempestys into the sure port.
1600 in 10th Rep. Royal Comm. Hist. MSS (1885) App. v. 458 To retowrn saulfe without any molestacion.
1645 J. Winthrop Declar. Former Passages 3 Miantonimo earnestly desired he might not be taken out of his hands, promising he would send him safe to Uncas to be examined and punished.
1711 Boston News-let. 16 July 2/2 There is in all five thousand Men, who arrived all safe and in health, and Encamped on Noddles-Island.
1737 C. Pitt in J. Duncombe Lett. Several Eminent Persons Deceased (1773) II. 98 The papers came safe to hand.
1785 W. Cowper Let. 7 Dec. (1981) II. 419 My desk..is safe arrived.
1831 Society 1 209 He always insists on seeing us safe across the Downs.
1865 Church of Eng. Mag. 25 Nov. 339/1 He..was with him in wild countries,..and went through great hardships; but they got back safe.
1902 O. Wister Virginian xix. 226 Your..man brought us out..safe and dry.
1969 N.Y. Mag. 24 Feb. 32/3 I got into the house... Nobody followed me. I was home safe.
2006 ‘N. Roberts’ Valley of Silence 238 ‘Are they back safe yet?’ ‘Coming in for touchdown.’
b. attributive. Of a journey: made without harm to the traveller; of a person's arrival: following such a journey.
ΚΠ
c1450 C. d'Orleans Poems (1941) 35 He may attayne the ioyfulle port In self passage.
1531 Bp. W. Barlow Dyaloge Lutheran Faccyons sig. D2 Wee haue sore longyd for your safe retorne hopynge to here some newes from oure euangelyke brotherne of Germany.
1625–6 S. Purchas Pilgrimes II. 1165 And he sent me word that he was very glad with my safe arrival.
1658 T. Bromhall Treat. Specters i. 80 He promised that they should have a safe journey.
1704 J. Locke Let. 27 June in H. R. F. Bourne Life J. Locke (1876) II. 546 I hope..that I may congratulate your safe return, strong and trig as you were before.
?1786 St. Eustatius: Claim 17 App. (Lords Commissioners of Appeals in Prize Causes) 13 One Case..which I promise to reliver, if God grant me a safe Voyage.
1872 Church Missionary Intelligencer 8 317/1 The king had given him an escort of 100 horsemen to clear the road of Baktiaris; so the rest of my journey was quite safe.
1901 D. A. Tompkins Cotton & Cotton Oil 39 The wagon cover often required patching and the carpenter and smith must..do such other repairs as seemed to them necessary to insure a safe trip.
2010 Psychologies (U.K. ed.) Apr. 53/3 The best bit for me is being mid-ocean, with just the suggestion of being ‘lost’ troubling my mind but nevertheless holding fast to my belief in a safe arrival.
4. Mentally or morally sound or sane. Now archaic and rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > mental health > [adjective]
in (one's right) witc1000
wittyc1000
wisec1290
well-tempered1340
reasonablec1400
safe1402
perfectc1440
well in (also of) one's witsa1450
right in one's geara1500
well-advised1532
sensed1549
unmad1570
well-advised1585
rational1598
solid1606
in one's (right) senses1613
formala1616
of (in) disposing mind or memory1628
compos mentis1631
righta1638
well-hinged1649
well-balanced1652
spacked1673
clear-headed1709
sane1721
unfantastic1794
unmaddened1797
pas si bête1840
lucid1843
unfantastical1862
clothed and in one's right mind1873
right-minded1876
ungiddy1904
clear1950
society > morality > virtue > [adjective] > morally sound
sound1531
safe?1577
healthfula1616
1402 Will in R. W. Chambers & M. Daunt Bk. London Eng. (1931) 211 (MED) I John Girdeler of Harfeld, in god mynde and saf memorye, make my testement.
1567 in F. J. Baigent Coll. Rec. & Documents Crondal (1891) 172 Any personne..beinge of the full age of twenty and one yeares, of saulf memorie.
?1577 J. Northbrooke Spiritus est Vicarius Christi: Treat. Dicing 64 Fewe men or women come from Playes and resorts of men with safe and chaste mindes.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) iv. i. 271 Are his wits safe? is he not light of braine? View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Cymbeline (1623) iv. ii. 132 No single soule Can we set eye on: but in all safe reason He must haue some Attendants. View more context for this quotation
1885 J. R. Boise tr. Xenophon Four Bks. Anabasis (Lexicon) 109/2 σωφϱονέω, ῶ, -ήσω (σὠφϱωγ),..to be of safe mind, to be wise.
1919 School & Society 12 July 37/1 The balanced mind is always the sane and safe mind.
1974 R. Bagg in tr. Euripides Hippolytos Introd. 8 Phaidra..wishes in her sickness for a safe mind.
II. Free from danger; secure.
5.
a. Not exposed to danger; not liable to be harmed or lost; secure.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > [adjective] > safe or secure
sickerc897
safec1325
surec1330
safea1393
sover1396
traistya1400
exempta1420
undangeredc1460
surec1475
cocksurea1529
sound1535
jeopardless1549
dangerless?1555
secure1572
secure1576
defensible1581
unobnoxious?1609
unendangereda1658
rug1705
anchored1878
c1325 (c1300) Chron. Robert of Gloucester (Calig.) l. 8043 (MED) Þe king..ostage him gan sende Þat he ssolde to him come al sauf in ech ende.
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1869) II. 227 Þey bulde hem smale cootes and cabans..þat hire lyf myȝte be þe more saaf.
tr. Palladius De re Rustica (Duke Humfrey) (1896) xii. l. 363 (MED) And wrie hem [sc. fruits] that noon ayer vppon hem shyne, So beth they saaf.
a1475 Revelations St. Birgitta (Garrett) (1929) 24 (MED) That our thynges..may be safe, þer moste be sette a door on our house.
1591 E. Spenser Daphnaïda sig. B Safe then and safest were my sillie sheepe, Ne fear'd the Wolfe.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Taming of Shrew (1623) v. ii. 156 Whil'st thou ly'st warme at home, secure and safe . View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Comedy of Errors (1623) i. ii. 105 I greatly feare my monie is not safe . View more context for this quotation
1645 J. Winthrop Declar. Former Passages 4 These things being duly weighed, the Commissioners judged that Uncas could not be safe, while Miantonimo lived.
1707 J. Stevens tr. F. de Quevedo Comical Wks. (1709) 328 'Tis not safe trusting a Left Handed Man with Money.
1756 E. Perronet Mitre iii. cxli. 169 He sins amain—what next the tone? Why—safe his end—or else he's gone A non-elected soul!
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. v. 662 No second witness could be found... Cornish thought himself safe.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. vii. 190 Apprehensions that the interests of the Anglican Church might not be safe under the rule of a man bred among Dutch Presbyterians.
1852 H. B. Stowe Uncle Tom's Cabin I. vii. 82 No, no, Harry darling! mother can't eat till you are safe!
1860 Bohn's Handbk. Games, Billiards 572 Either decline the chance altogether, and lay the balls safe, or make that stroke which seems most sure and easy.
1906 Atlantic Monthly Mar. 319/1 No doubt she thought she was safe there and would not be seen.
1953 P. G. Wodehouse Performing Flea 190 He would shoot all round you till you felt like a knife-thrower's assistant, but you were really quite safe.
1990 A. S. Byatt Possession xxiii. 422 She had gone there for sanctuary. Why didn't she stay where she was safe?
2008 Outlook Money 30 July 66/2 Investors had no control over any part of the process and, often, did not even know if their money was safe.
b. With from, †of.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > [adjective] > safe or secure
sickerc897
safec1325
surec1330
safea1393
sover1396
traistya1400
exempta1420
undangeredc1460
surec1475
cocksurea1529
sound1535
jeopardless1549
dangerless?1555
secure1572
secure1576
defensible1581
unobnoxious?1609
unendangereda1658
rug1705
anchored1878
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) vii. l. 2029 (MED) That he mesure in his expence So kepe, that of indigence He mai be sauf.
tr. Palladius De re Rustica (Duke Humfrey) (1896) i. l. 973 (MED) Al the lond that thou hast goon aboute ffro cloudis wicke is saaf [c1450 Bodl. saue].
tr. Palladius De re Rustica (Duke Humfrey) (1896) i. l. 982 (MED) Thy seedis with cucumber rotis grounde Let stepe, and saaf of euery mys they are.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Job xxi. 9 Their houses are safe from all feare.
1573 E. Dering Lect. Part 5th Chapter Hebrues sig. F.ii We should not then neede many exhortations, the remembraunce of the latter end would keepe vs safe from syn.
1577 B. Googe tr. C. Heresbach Foure Bks. Husbandry i. f. 33 Yf they be steeped in Capons blood, they wyll be safe from all hurtfull weedes.
1658 T. Bromhall Hist. Apparitions 182 When Caesar saw this, he ran to him, embraced him, and told him what his danger was; promising him, for that he knew it, he should be safe of it.
a1681 H. Burton Several Disc. (1684) I. ii. 214 He flatters himself as if he were safe from his Sin, when he is fast held in the Bonds of Iniquity.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Æneis vii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 432 Where then he liv'd obscure, but safe from Jove.
1801 Med. & Physical Jrnl. 5 403 That a person once infected with the small-pox is safe from having it a second time.
1867 G. MacDonald Ann. Quiet Neighbourhood I. v. 110 I did not feel safe from him till I was once more in my study.
1891 H. B. Harris Apol. Aristides ii. 14 The hermits..petitioned him to build them a house where they might be safe from the incursions of the Arabs.
1920 G. W. James New Mexico xvi. 267 Under the teaching and guidance of Mother Church they were safe from damnation, here and hereafter.
1931 Good Housek. (U.S. ed.) Dec. 216/1 (advt.) When I turn up the little trick cuffs, my stockings are as safe from spatters as if they stayed in the drawer.
1961 J. Stubblefield Davies's Introd. Palaeontol. (ed. 3) i. 5 Shut up within its shell or exoskeleton a brachiopod is comparatively safe from enemies.
1999 M. J. Clark Do you promise not to Tell? (2000) iii. 10 Safe from the curious stares of the eyes below,..there was privacy in the Churchill's skybox.
6.
a. Of a place, means of defence, etc.: affording protection or security; proof against danger. Also with for.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > [adjective] > affording safety or security
fasteOE
safea1393
traista1400
sure1444
secure1579
the world > action or operation > safety > [adjective] > safe or not dangerous
safe1583
fearless1599
cautionary1684
undangerous1727
non-hazardous1853
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) ii. l. 181 Neptunus..kept hire in so sauf a place Fro Polipheme and his manace, That he..Ne mihte atteigne hir compaignie.
c1400 J. Gower Eng. Wks. (1901) II. 489 (MED) The fortune of the werre is evere unknowe, Bot wher pes is, ther ben the marches save.
?1560 T. Norton Orations of Arsanes sig. C.iiij Our king, in whose dominions they haue had safe refuge from the sword of their homebred enemy.
1583 G. Peckham True Rep. Newfound Landes iv. sig. E.iv The cheefest cause why our Englishmen doo not goe so farre westerly..is for that they haue no succour and known safe harbour in those partes.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Comedy of Errors (1623) i. ii. 78 Answer me, In what safe place you haue bestow'd my monie. View more context for this quotation
1659 W. Chamberlayne Pharonnida i. i. sig. v A stately Stag,..Forc'd from the Forests safe protection.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iv, in tr. Virgil Wks. 140 A Station safe for Ships, when Tempests roar. View more context for this quotation
1740 W. Stephens Jrnl. 27 Oct. in Jrnl. Proc. Georgia (1742) III. 20 The two Frigates..being apprehensive of the hurricane Season, retired into a safe Harbour at Charles-Town.
1783 J. Hoole tr. L. Ariosto Orlando Furioso I. vii. 221 This ring, a safe defence from spelful art.
1807 E. S. Barrett Rising Sun III. xxxvii. 48 Owing to the unskilfulness of her pilots,..it was quite uncertain when she would be moored in a safe port.
1859 F. Nightingale Notes on Nursing i. 12 The safest atmosphere of all for a patient is a good fire and an open window.
1870 C. Dickens Edwin Drood viii. 51 That part of the world is at a safe distance.
1917 W. Wilson in Sel. Addr. (1918) 195 The world must be made safe for democracy.
1936 Quill & Quire Oct. 14/2 Book Tokens accepted for exchange must be kept in a safe place.
1984 C. Hitching & D. Stone Understanding Accounting ii. 8 There are not many places ‘safer’ than a building society in which we could invest our money.
2010 Independent 10 Apr. (Mag.) 24/1 One of the most seemingly worthwhile acts of voluntary service available to us today—keeping our streets safe.
b. Affording security from theft, loss, escape, etc. Chiefly in safe custody, safe stowage. Cf. safekeeping n., safe ward n. [With safe custody compare classical Latin custodia tuta, tutissima custodia, post-classical Latin custodia salva (1231, c1314 in British sources).]
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > subjection > restraint or restraining > restraint depriving of liberty > [noun]
safety?a1400
detentc1465
custodyc1503
straina1510
safeguard1528
violence?1535
safe custody1536
restrainta1547
detention?1570
retention1572
constraint1590
sickerness1678
deportation1909
the world > space > place > placing or fact of being placed in (a) position > [noun] > laying up in a place > condition of being
safe stowage1536
stowagea1616
the world > action or operation > safety > protection or defence > care, protection, or charge > [noun] > keeping or custody
yemselc1175
witing?c1225
yeminga1325
depose1393
baila1400
wardenshipa1400
guard1426
awarda1450
custodyc1450
credence1526
safe custody1536
credit1537
warding1548
guarding1551
guardiance1560
guardance1591
guardagea1616
guardship1629
wardship1631
guardianship1646
guardiancy1864
wardenry1906
society > authority > subjection > restraint or restraining > restraint depriving of liberty > [noun] > for protection
safe custody1536
protective custody1929
1536 T. Cromwell in R. B. Merriman Life & Lett. T. Cromwell (1902) II. 9 To kepe the same Offeley in your salve custodye.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Cymbeline (1623) i. vi. 193 And I am something curious, being strange To haue them in safe stowage . View more context for this quotation
1651 T. Hobbes Leviathan ii. xxviii. 164 The safe custody of a man accused.
1701 S. Hill Rights, Liberties, & Authorities Christian Church vii. lii. 327 He desires him to send the Bishops..under safe Custody to the Emperour.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. viii. 357 A warrant..directing the Lieutenant of the Tower to keep them [sc. seven Bishops] in safe custody.
1896 Trans. Inst. Naval Architects 37 371 The object of the Act and of any plan of loading is the same, i.e., safe stowage.
1904 J. A. Meelboom & C. F. Hannaford Bank Bookkeeping & Accts. (ed. 2) iii. 76 A bank has no general lien on securities deposited for safe custody only.
1945 M. Heuvelmans Cargo Deadweight Distribution 58 Safe stowage and despatch are..closely interwoven with the problem of weight distribution.
2002 J. Cerone in M. Bothe & B. Kondoch Internat. Peacekeeping 7 55 Women are reportedly placed in ‘safe-custody’ on a judge's approval of a police application.
c. Affording guaranteed immunity from arrest, capture, attack, etc. Chiefly in safe convoy, safe passage.After earlier safe conduct n., safeguard n., etc.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > [noun] > making safe > conducting or conveying in safety
safe conduct?a1400
safe convoy1636
society > travel > transport > [noun] > under escort > safe-conduct
safe conduct?a1400
safe convoy1636
1636 W. Sampson Vow Breaker iii. iii. sig. F3 Monlucke..Desires safe convoy by your honours forces.
1647 N. Bacon Hist. Disc. Govt. 61 This priviledge of safe passe being..ancient and fundamentall,..resteth still in force.
1649 O. Cromwell Let. 24 Nov. in Lett. & Speeches (1884) III. App. xv. 344 I have by this Bearer returned a Safe-convoy, as you desire, for what Commissioners you think fit to send out to me.
c1665 L. Hutchinson Mem. Col. Hutchinson (1973) 96 Major Cartwright sent a letter desiring the governor or his brother to come and meete him in St. Nicholas Church, and promised them safe passage and returne.
1810 S. T. Coleridge Friend (1865) 82 Charles V had pronounced the ban upon him [sc. Luther] and limited his safe convoy to one and twenty days.
1917 Outlook 8 Aug. 534/1 The other object, safe passage for Italian ships in the Adriatic, is obstructed by the strategic advantages of Austria.
1921 W. S. Sims in Naval Investig. (Comm. Naval Affairs, U.S. Senate) I. 166 Assisting in the safe and prompt dispatch of troops and supplies to France, and safe convoy out of France.
1996 P. I. Kaufman Church, Bk., & Bishop v. 107 Some threads from a cloth covering the coffin..were to be his safe convoy into and defense..against the rough-and-tumble of the Touraine factions and feuds.
2003 C. Rubenberg Palestinians iii. 116 The immediate creation of a safe passage between the West Bank and Gaza to enable Palestinians to pass through Israeli territory.
7.
a. With of. Sure to obtain. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > certain prospect or possession > [adjective] > assured of possession
sickera1200
surec1330
firm1483
cocksure1520
safe1538
secure1605
1538 M. Coverdale tr. M. Luther Expos. Magnificat sig. D.viii Such a God, as doth not despyse the poore, despysed & vyle, but wyteth them safe of hys owne syghte, that so hys harte be stablyshed in fayth, hope and charite.
?1614 G. Chapman tr. Homer Odysses iii. 36 Euery Myrmidon..safe of home.
1667 S. Pepys Diary 23 Aug. (1974) VIII. 398 I find most people pleased with their being at ease and safe of a peace.
1802 R. Southey La Caba 3 Here I stand, Safe of my purpose now!
1846 W. M. Thackeray Let. 9 Feb. (MS.) What I meant by ‘Safe’ is the best word to be applied to a play I think—safe of a real agreeable—of course I don't know how permanent—success.
1874 For Beauty's Sake ii. 25 He is safe of a warm welcome from me.
1911 P. H. Brown Hist. Scotl. I. iii. ii. 113 Macduff was not slow to carry his tale where he knew he was safe of a favourable hearing.
b. Certain to happen or be the case (esp. with reference to the outcome of a contest, examination, selection process, etc.).
(a) Predicatively, usually followed by an infinitive (or formerly for and a gerund). Now somewhat rare. Cf. sure adj. 10b.
ΚΠ
1790 F. Grose Provinc. Gloss. (ed. 2) Suppl. ‘He is safe enough for being hanged.’ Cumb.
1825 Times 22 Sept. 2/6 He was put down as safe to win, the others being entirely out of the question.
1860 G. J. Whyte-Melville Market Harborough 107 He'll win it, as safe as safe!
1865 F. Oakeley Hist. Notes 46 If..you had happened to enter any common-room in Oxford..you would have been safe to hear some ten or twenty voices eloquent on the subject of Tract 90.
1874 G. J. Whyte-Melville Uncle John I. viii. 225 The foreign horse was safe to win the Two Thousand.
1882 B. M. Croker Proper Pride i. vii. 137 ‘I am sure a man never sent it,’ said Helen. ‘I'm sorry to say it of my own sex, but it's safe to be a woman’.
1901 K. M. Caffyn Happenings of Jill xxiv. 271 Even should he miss a bishopric, he's safe to be a dean.
1953 Times 12 May 9/6 Miss Connolly looked safe to win comfortably after taking the first set and leading 3–0 in the second.
1987 T. Clark Bed at Tor House in Disordered Ideas 23 He waited by the sea safe to finish what he had to finish.
(b) colloquial. attributive, as safe first, safe thing, etc. Cf. safe bet n. at Compounds 2, sure thing n.
ΚΠ
1859 T. Hughes in Macmillan's Mag. Dec. 91/2 He'll be a safe first, though I don't believe he reads more than you or I.
1875 M. E. Braddon Hostages to Fortune II. x. 151 They say he's dipped deeply in this Bolivian business, and that it's a safe thing.
1892 Chambers's Jrnl. 3 Dec. 774/2 He was a safe First in History, and hot favourite for the Lothian.
1900 W. E. W. Collins Scholar of College viii. 118 It by no means followed as a matter of course that a scholarship at St Hilary's implied a safe first in Moderations.
1913 E. Wharton Custom of Country xxxiv. 453 Her manifest ignorance of business methods had the effect of making his vagueness appear less vague. ‘Anyhow, he seems to be sure it's a safe thing.’
1973 Routledge Dict. Hist. Slang 791/1 ‘He is a safe second’, i.e. he is sure to obtain second-class honours.
8.
a. Presenting no risk of physical harm; posing no threat, not dangerous.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > [adjective] > conducive to safety
safe?1545
the world > action or operation > safety > [adjective] > safe or not dangerous > safe or free from risk
sure?1473
safe?1545
dangerless?1555
canny1592
peril-lessa1618
secure1617
unperilous1621
unhazardous1683
riskless1822
no-risk1932
?1545 C. Langton Introd. Phisycke ii. f. xviiiv It is daungerous medlyng with poysons: I graunt that, & therfore it is moch safer, to laye them as a playster, to some vtter part of your skyn, where as they can not hurte.
1580 J. Lyly Euphues & his Eng. (new ed.) f. 79v As safe.., as sleeping in the grasse Trifole, where..no Serpent..dare venture.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Macbeth (1623) ii. iii. 141 This murtherous Shaft that's shot, Hath not yet lighted: and our safest way, Is to auoid the ayme.
1680 Lady Russell Lett. I. iii. 11 The Iesuits' Powder is..held most safe to be taken by the best doctors.
1774 Med. & Philos. Comm. 1 261 He is of the opinion, that the disease, if not repelled, is not dangerous; that, if joined with catarrh, it is not so safe as when without it.
1816 National Reg. 2 Mar. 4/1 This method of lighting houses..is safer; not liable to the accident of a candle falling, or lighted snuff dropping out of the snuffers.
1843 Punch 5 173/2 If a dog be mad he will not take water. To ascertain this, offer him some London milk, and if he lap it, you may be sure he is perfectly safe.
1902 Indiana Bull. June 53 We are expected to look after persons who are not safe to be around.
1970 Times 7 Feb. 3/3 Army and Navy explosives experts were called in to make the bomb safe.
2000 New Scientist 5 Aug. 52/1 The water used to make up infant formula should be safe for babies to drink.
b. Of a course of action, plan, etc.: not attended by risk of failure; without disadvantages, prudent.
ΚΠ
1577 H. I. tr. H. Bullinger 50 Godlie Serm. II. iii. Ep. Ded. sig. Aa.vv This doctrine at all times, & in all pointes agreeable to it selfe is safest to be followed.
1589 R. Lane in R. Hakluyt Princ. Navigations 740 Thus much I signified vnto them, as the safest way: neuerthelesse, I did referre it to the greatest number of voyces, whether we should aduenture thes pending of our whole victuall..or otherwise to retyre our selues backe againe.
1625 F. Bacon Ess. (new ed.) 86 An Embleme, no doubt, to shew, how safe it is for Monarchs, to make sure of the good Will of Common People.
1651 T. Hobbes Leviathan ii. xxvii. 151 It is safer to erre on that hand, than on the other.
1720 D. Defoe Mem. Cavalier 45 'Tis never safe to despise an Enemy.
a1745 J. Swift On Death of Mrs. Johnson in Wks. (1765) VIII. 259 Perhaps, she was sometimes too severe, which is a safe and pardonable error.
1791 W. Cowper tr. Homer Odyssey in Iliad & Odyssey II. xxiii. 150 To me the safest counsel and the best.
1851 W. Bolland Cricket Notes v. 87 The safest plan is to stipulate..that the disputed man shall not be put on at either end—as a doubtful bowler should never be permitted.
1863 W. Phillips Speeches xi. 254 This is Choate, who made it safe to murder.
1919 M. C. Stopes Let. to Working Mothers 14 Some men like to use a sheath, and this is quite a safe method.
1973 Backpacker Spring 4/3 We believe it is safer not to encourage more backpacking until we know more about the impact that the increased numbers are now having.
2001 P. Duncan Moon Women i. 19 Supper had to be a hot meal, and breakfast-for-supper was the easiest and safest thing to make.
9.
a. Sure in procedure; not liable to fail, mislead, or disappoint expectation; reliable, trustworthy; in later use spec. in Cricket. Cf. a safe pair of hands at hand n. Phrases 3a.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > duty or obligation > recognition of duty > faithfulness or trustworthiness > [adjective]
soothfastc825
truefastOE
i-treowec1000
unfakenOE
trueOE
sickerc1100
trigc1175
strustya1250
steel to the (very) backa1300
true as steela1300
certainc1325
well-provedc1325
surec1330
traistc1330
tristc1330
trustya1350
faithfula1382
veryc1385
sada1387
discreet1387
trust1389
trothfulc1390
tristya1400
proveda1425
good-heartedc1425
well-trusted?a1439
tristfulc1440
authorizablea1475
faithworthy?1526
tentik1534
fidele1539
truthfulc1550
suresby1553
responsible1558
trestc1560
reliable1569
cocksurea1575
sound1581
trustful1582
truepenny1589
true (also good, sure) as touch1590
probable1596
confident1605
trustable1606
axiopistical1611
loyala1616
reposeful1627
confiding1645
fiducial1647
laudable1664
safe1667
accountable1683
serious1693
sponsible1721
dependable1730
unfailing1798
truthya1802
trustworthy1829
all right1841
stand-up1841
falsehood-free1850
right1856
proven1872
bankable1891
secure1954
1559 P. Morwyng tr. C. Gesner Treasure of Euonymus 335 The best & safest help in this disease..is arsnik sublimated whose notable vertues we haue alredy made mencion of oftentymes before.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) ii. iii. 198 My blood begins my safer guides to rule. View more context for this quotation
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost xi. 371 Ascend, I follow thee, safe Guide, the path Thou lead'st me. View more context for this quotation
1678 R. Cudworth True Intellect. Syst. Universe i. iii. 170 That safe and sure-footed Interpreter, Alex. Aphrodisius.
1733 G. Cheyne Eng. Malady ii. xi. 231 Throwing them [sc. the fluids] off by the safest and most patent Outlets.
1793 H. Mackenzie Addit. Lett. Brutus xii. 111 Necessity, or an experience next to necessity, is the only safe teacher of practical truths in particular governments.
1823 Lady's Mag. July 387/1 Samuel Long..is..so steady a [cricket] player! so safe!
1851 J. Pycroft Cricket Field x. 185 The safest pair of hands in England.
1874 J. D. Heath Compl. Croquet-player 53 Remember that the dead ball is not so safe a helper as your partner.
1887 A. Birrell Obiter Dicta 2nd Ser. 46 As a master of style and diction, Milton is as safe as Virgil.
1894 Daily News 3 May 5/3 The first [hymnal] is described by Canon Twells as being generally acceptable to high churches, the second to low churches, and the third to intermediate, ‘sometimes called safe churches’.
1897 K. S. Ranjitsinhji Jubilee Bk. Cricket ii. 16 ‘A safe field’..signifies that the fielder may be relied upon to stop hits that come within reasonable distance of him, and to hold practically all catches.
1975 Oxf. Compan. Sports & Games 648/2 A bulky left-handed batsman of safe and unspectacular method.
2009 Guardian (Nexis) 29 Sept. 1 The speech..is being crafted to show Brown has not just been a safe steward of the world economy.
b. Excessively cautious; unadventurous, unimaginative; bland, boring.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > care, carefulness, or attention > caution > [adjective] > not adventurous or enterprising
unadventurous1671
unattempting1730
inexperimenting1746
unenterprising1777
unadventuring1824
safe1830
stick-in-the-mud1832
inadventurous1853
inventurous1863
unventurous1865
1830 Museum of Foreign Lit. Dec. 523/1 Whilst all that he did showed the most admirable sense and judgment, he never said a word that rose above the level of the merest common-place, vapid, inoffensive, dull, and safe.
1896 E. W. Donald Expansion of Relig. v. 245 There is no art, no poetry, no outlook, no vision, and ambition is dead. A safe, unenterprising, material prosperity of low degree is all that the oldest and most successful of our communistic communities can show.
1901 Athenæum 6 July 35/2 The author is rather safe than striking, and he has nothing new to say concerning the history of ancient philosophy.
1988 San Francisco Chron. 25 Mar. e11 The air of contrivance..makes them a bore to look at. They look uninspired and artistically safe whether you regard them as abstract, figurative or architectural.
2004 E. Vincentelli ABBA Gold 37 Beginning a greatest-hits collection with the best-known song is satisfying, sure, but also a bit safe.
10.
a. Of an analysis, conclusion, etc.: free of errors or flaws; accurate, sound; authoritative.
ΚΠ
1597 F. Bacon Of Coulers Good & Euill f. 17v, in Ess. To make a true and safe iudgement, nothing can be of greater vse and defence to the minde, then the discouering and reprehension of these coulers.
1642 D. Lupton Warre-like Treat. Pike x. 122 That's no safe conclusion, to say that all old things are the best.
a1665 J. Goodwin Πλήρωμα τὸ Πνευματικόv (1670) xiii. 376 Whether it be better and safer to Neutralize between these two Opinions, and hang in suspense.
1766 T. H. Croker et al. Compl. Dict. Arts & Sci. III. at Urim and Thummim The safest opinion, according to Broughton, seems to be, that the words urim and thummim signify some divine virtue and power.
1788 A. Hamilton Federalist Papers xxi. 126 To form a safe and satisfactory judgment of the proper remedy, it is absolutely necessary that we should be well acquainted with the extent and malignity of the disease.
1853 C. A. Dana U.S. Illustr. 136 There is no safe judgment of these acts, until we have Mr. Girard's measure; and that is not to be got at a glance.
1884 Kansas Hort. Rep. 13 83 The Board cannot form a safe or correct decision of the merits or value of any class of fruit without the opportunity of an examination of samples.
1960 Countryman (Perth, Austral.) 7 Jan. 36/4 The safest conclusion is that the early strains..are the most valuable in nearly all districts.
1995 Jrnl. Royal Statist. Soc. D. 44 5 The immediate challenge is to see what tools can be developed that can provide a useful but reasonably safe analysis of the spatial data resources that now exist.
b. With reference to an assertion or assumption: not likely to be wrong; founded on good reasons or evidence. Hence applied to the person making the assertion. Frequently in it is safe to say, to be safe in saying. Cf. safely adv. 2b.
ΚΠ
1608 Bp. J. Hall Epist. I. i. iv. 30 I thinke it safe to say, that seldome euer those yeares haue promised, seldom haue performed so much.
1642 R. Baker tr. V. Malvezzi Disc. upon Tacitus xxxix. 403 I cannot but account my assertion safe; having Aristotle, Plato, and Pythagoras of my side.
a1749 B. Holme Coll. Epist. & Wks. (1754) ix. Pref. 122 I hope I may be safe in saying, all Signs end in their Substance.
1795 H. Cowley Town before You iii. ii. 43 I am safe in saying that, for I am sure Lady Horatia will not marry a beggar.
1814 Niles' Weekly Reg. 20 Aug. 418/2 At any rate, it is safe to say that the states and districts first named, have that distance of water communication.
1840 Biblical Repertory Apr. 296 We are surely safe in presuming that our readers are well acquainted with the vigour of intellect, and the deep and scriptural piety which characterize this great man's writings.
1884 Liverpool Mercury 18 Feb. 5/2 One is perfectly safe in saying that the position of the defendants has relatively improved.
1905 Chem. Engineer Aug. 236 It is a safe assumption that the thicker the paint film, the less its permeability.
1944 A. Huxley Let. 9 July (1969) 507 One can be safe in betting that, within ten years, there will be rockets, or jet-propelled flying bombs,..capable of flying any distance up to five thousand miles.
1978 W. F. Buckley Stained Glass xx. 200 I would still think it safe to assume you would not be questioned during the day.
2001 D. L. Schlinder Heart of World iv. 145 I begin with the general—and apparently safe—assertion that the critical methods and scholarship of the contemporary academy..are not neutral.
2008 T. F. Madden Empires of Trust vi. 135 It is safe to say..that by 188 bc the Greek world knew all about the Romans.
c. Of evidence, an example, etc.: that may be cited or used with confidence; inarguably correct or apt; strong, good.
ΚΠ
1645 E. Pagitt Heresiogr. 99 If I crucifie the flesh in my owne strength, it is no safe evidence of my being in Christ.
1701 W. Mather Vindic. W. Mather & Wife 74 In a Controversie of such Moment, presumptive Evidence is neither safe, nor satisfactory to either side.
1778 Crit. Rev. 46 388 Whether bears and martins were met with on both sides of the equator, our author cannot assert on any safe and authentic evidence.
1814 Rhode-Island Literary Repository Dec. 489 The Argonautic expedition might be deemed the only safe example of perfect navigation.
1888 J. Rickaby First Princ. Knowl. iv. 59 It borrows, to exemplify its teaching, only safe instances.
1922 J. W. H. Atkins in Owl & Nightingale 129 (note) Since the beginning of the 11th century the form were (for wer (nom.)) frequently occurs, and after 1200 no safe case of wer is found.
1931 Amer. Jrnl. Sci. 221 8 No one criterion is a safe basis for the determination of retrogressive metamorphism.
1980 C. Hill Some Intellect. Consequences Eng. Revol. iii. 27 He prudently used the safe example of Athens to argue that conquests are best made by a popular government.
2010 F. von Mengden Cardinal Numerals i. 61 We will have to go far back into reconstructed stages of a language—a historical distance which does not always provide safe evidence.
†d. Unquestionably true; established as fact. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > freedom from error, correctness > [adjective]
wiseOE
deada1592
sure-footed1633
inerring1661
unerring1679
safe1788
errorless1856
inerroneous1880
error-free1927
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > [adjective]
wislyc1000
sickera1225
firm1377
unfailingc1400
decided1439
suredc1450
sure1470
infirmat1487
delivered1499
fast and sure1528
undeceivablea1535
undoubteda1535
certainc1540
true (also good, sure) as touch1590
constant1611
positivea1616
square1632
formal1635
unapocryphal1644
inconditional1646
inconditionate1654
undeceitful1673
unshakeable1677
unproblematic1683
unprecarious1688
unerring1697
safe1788
hard1791
unproblematical1792
decisive1800
dead-on1889
hands down1900
1788 J. Priestley Lect. Hist. i. i. 14 For want of acquaintance with history, we are apt to pronounce a priori many things to be impossible, which in fact really exist, and are very safe.
e. Law (chiefly British). Of a verdict, esp. a conviction: not liable to be overturned; sustainable; (of the evidence in a case) sufficient for such a verdict to be reached. Cf. unsafe adj. Additions 4.In later use sometimes in safe and satisfactory; cf. satisfactory adj. 5.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > judging > [adjective] > authoritative
tripodical1656
satisfactory1768
safe1795
1795 Z. Swift Syst. Laws Connecticut II. iv. xvii. 186 This leads to a train if probable and presumptive proof, upon which a conviction may be very safe.
1846 Ann. Reg. 1845 Chron. 30/1 The wretched woman was acquitted, the evidence of the elder child, on account of the tenderness of her age, not being deemed safe for a capital conviction.
1869 Times 6 Mar. 4/6 The evidence fell short of that degree of proof that would render a conviction safe.
1944 Irish Times 6 July 1/5 I do not think such a conviction would be a safe conviction.
1967 Criminal Appeal Rep. 51 25 Do his replies to the police..amount to a sufficiently safe and satisfactory case?
1996 Scotsman (Electronic ed.) 18 Dec. On both occasions the convictions were found to be safe and satisfactory.
2009 Western Morning News (Nexis) 18 Aug. 11 He has..withdrawn his appeal against conviction. So we have to read into it that this was a fair trial and the verdict was safe.
11. Secured, kept in custody; unable to escape. Hence: not likely to come out, intervene, or do hurt; placed beyond the power of doing harm, not at present dangerous. Cf. safe bind (and) safe find at Phrases 5.
ΚΠ
c1604 Charlemagne (1938) ii. 38 What, madam? is he salve asleepe? Most soundlye, Sir.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Macbeth (1623) iii. iv. 24 But Banquo's safe? Mur. I, my good Lord: safe in a ditch he bides. View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Tempest (1623) iii. i. 21 My Father Is hard at study; pray now rest your selfe, Hee's safe for these three houres. View more context for this quotation
1619 E. M. Bolton tr. Florus Rom. Hist. iii. x. 308 Cæsar was at this time absent out of Gallia,..and so the wayes cloyed vppe, they presumed hee was fast, and safe enough.
1623 W. Shakespeare & J. Fletcher Henry VIII v. iii. 130 Receiue him, And see him safe i' th' Tower. View more context for this quotation
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost ix. 815 And other care perhaps May have diverted from continual watch Our great Forbidder, safe with all his Spies About him. View more context for this quotation
1678 R. L'Estrange tr. Epistles v. 41 in Seneca's Morals Abstracted (1679) When the Snake is Frozen, 'tis Safe.
1750 in T. Newton Milton's Paradise Lost (ed. 2) ix. 191 Safe signifies here as in the vulgar phrases, I have him safe, or he is safe asleep: where not the safety of the person secur'd or asleep is meant, but the safety of others with respect to any danger from him.
1797 S. J. Pratt Family Secrets IV. xxxviii. 365 Your cruel father is now safe asleep, love, and you may come home to your own bed.
1810 Gammer Gurton's Garland 6 You parents that have children dear,..If you will have them safe abroad, Pray keep them safe at home.
1838 Amer. Turf Reg. & Sporting Mag. Aug. 371 I have him safe in the landing-net at last.
1885 J. H. McCarthy Eng. under Gladstone (ed. 2) xi. 196 While he was proudly boasting that he had all the discontented and the dangerous in prison, safe under lock and key, the real danger existed unknown to him.
1914 McClure's Mag. July 76/1 I know now why the neighbors thought they'd seen me out walking after nightfall, when we knew I was safe in bed.
1950 R. Macaulay World my Wilderness xv. 122 ‘I helped him as far as I could.’ ‘By telling him she stole?’..‘Oh, it's quite safe with Angus, he won't let it go any further.’
1976 M. Hauser Talking Room 106 Rather would she see J safe behind bars than dangerously on the loose.
2004 M. E. Robins Petty Treason xv. 227 Happily, no one can suspect Anne d' Aubigny of this crime: she is safe in gaol.
12. Politics. Of a parliamentary seat, electoral district, etc.: likely to be retained by a politician or political party at an election. Cf. safe seat n. at Compounds 2.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > [adjective] > safe or secure > not risked
unadventured1548
unhazarded1588
safe1836
1836 C. G. F. Gore Mrs. Armytage II. 142 In these revolutionary times,..no seat is safe.
1865 Union Rev. 3 449 Sir W. Heathcote's seat is safe... And we have no doubt whatsoever that Mr Gathorne Hardy will be returned by at least a clear majority of two hundred.
1906 Proc. Mass. Hist. Soc. June 400 Tiverton, a safe little borough from which he could securely count on getting himself returned.
1968 Globe & Mail (Toronto) 22 June 8/1 Another 10 seats look equally safe for the Tories.
1992 H. Robertson On Hill: People's Guide to Canada's Parl. 72 Nominations are often hotly contested, especially when the seat is considered safe.
2010 Sacramento (Calif.) Bee 4 Sept. a12 The Jan. 4 election is unlikely to be a nip-and-tuck affair since it is a safe Republican district.
13. slang (originally South African). Good, excellent; okay, all right. Also as int.An element of the more specific senses ‘trustworthy’ or ‘not dangerous’ (cf. senses 9a, 8a) is often still present in this sense.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > excellence > [adjective]
faireOE
bremea1000
goodlyOE
goodfulc1275
noblec1300
pricec1300
specialc1325
gentlec1330
fine?c1335
singulara1340
thrivena1350
thriven and throa1350
gaya1375
properc1380
before-passinga1382
daintiful1393
principala1398
gradelya1400
burlyc1400
daintyc1400
thrivingc1400
voundec1400
virtuousc1425
hathelc1440
curiousc1475
singlerc1500
beautiful1502
rare?a1534
gallant1539
eximious1547
jolly1548
egregious?c1550
jellyc1560
goodlike1562
brawc1565
of worth1576
brave?1577
surprising1580
finger-licking1584
admirablea1586
excellinga1586
ambrosial1598
sublimated1603
excellent1604
valiant1604
fabulous1609
pure1609
starryc1610
topgallant1613
lovely1614
soaringa1616
twanging1616
preclarent1623
primea1637
prestantious1638
splendid1644
sterling1647
licking1648
spankinga1666
rattling1690
tearing1693
famous1695
capital1713
yrare1737
pure and —1742
daisy1757
immense1762
elegant1764
super-extra1774
trimming1778
grand1781
gallows1789
budgeree1793
crack1793
dandy1794
first rate1799
smick-smack1802
severe1805
neat1806
swell1810
stamming1814
divine1818
great1818
slap-up1823
slapping1825
high-grade1826
supernacular1828
heavenly1831
jam-up1832
slick1833
rip-roaring1834
boss1836
lummy1838
flash1840
slap1840
tall1840
high-graded1841
awful1843
way up1843
exalting1844
hot1845
ripsnorting1846
clipping1848
stupendous1848
stunning1849
raving1850
shrewd1851
jammy1853
slashing1854
rip-staving1856
ripping1858
screaming1859
up to dick1863
nifty1865
premier cru1866
slap-bang1866
clinking1868
marvellous1868
rorty1868
terrific1871
spiffing1872
all wool and a yard wide1882
gorgeous1883
nailing1883
stellar1883
gaudy1884
fizzing1885
réussi1885
ding-dong1887
jim-dandy1888
extra-special1889
yum-yum1890
out of sight1891
outasight1893
smooth1893
corking1895
large1895
super1895
hot dog1896
to die for1898
yummy1899
deevy1900
peachy1900
hi1901
v.g.1901
v.h.c.1901
divvy1903
doozy1903
game ball1905
goodo1905
bosker1906
crackerjack1910
smashinga1911
jake1914
keen1914
posh1914
bobby-dazzling1915
juicy1916
pie on1916
jakeloo1919
snodger1919
whizz-bang1920
wicked1920
four-star1921
wow1921
Rolls-Royce1922
whizz-bang1922
wizard1922
barry1923
nummy1923
ripe1923
shrieking1926
crazy1927
righteous1930
marvy1932
cool1933
plenty1933
brahmaa1935
smoking1934
solid1935
mellow1936
groovy1937
tough1937
bottler1938
fantastic1938
readyc1938
ridge1938
super-duper1938
extraordinaire1940
rumpty1940
sharp1940
dodger1941
grouse1941
perfecto1941
pipperoo1945
real gone1946
bosting1947
supersonic1947
whizzo1948
neato1951
peachy-keen1951
ridgey-dite1953
ridgy-didge1953
top1953
whizzing1953
badass1955
wild1955
belting1956
magic1956
bitching1957
swinging1958
ridiculous1959
a treat1959
fab1961
bad-assed1962
uptight1962
diggish1963
cracker1964
marv1964
radical1964
bakgat1965
unreal1965
pearly1966
together1968
safe1970
bad1971
brilliant1971
fabby1971
schmick1972
butt-kicking1973
ripper1973
Tiffany1973
bodacious1976
rad1976
kif1978
awesome1979
death1979
killer1979
fly1980
shiok1980
stonking1980
brill1981
dope1981
to die1982
mint1982
epic1983
kicking1983
fabbo1984
mega1985
ill1986
posho1989
pukka1991
lovely jubbly1992
awesomesauce2001
nang2002
bess2006
amazeballs2009
boasty2009
daebak2009
beaut2013
1970 in Dict. S. Afr. Eng. on Hist. Princ. (1996) (at cited word) Wow, that new dance is safe... A safe band is playing at the jeet tonight.
1974 J. Matthews Park 25 Orkas looked up at her and smiled. ‘Jammie say yer my number forra five-titty’, Orkas said. ‘Safe?’
1976 Darling (S. Afr.) 29 Sept. Give me a safe ensemble and a new hairstyle..and I can slay the ou's with the rest of them.
1981 Fair Lady (S. Afr.) 9 Sept. A circle made with the forefinger and thumb and accompanied by a conspiratorial wink is obligatory when saying ‘Safe, my mate!’
1991 Sunday Tel. 8 Sept. 10/8 Pc Johnson, the popular local policeman, is chatting to some of the boys. ‘He's safe [all right]’, says 20-year-old David Davies. ‘Most of them are. It's just when they bring the specials from Reading and Swindon.’
1999 A. Wheatle Brixton Rock 188 ‘Yeah. I have to go back inside for a pen so I can write down my phone number.’ ‘Yeah, safe.’
2010 B. Agbaje Off Endz vi. 32 Safe, bruv! I owe you one.

Phrases

P1. safe and sound (also occasionally †sound and safe).
a. Unharmed, unhurt. Cf. sense 3a.
ΚΠ
a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 2816 (MED) Þei were gretli glad..þat he sauf was & sou[n]d fro þe men a-schaped.
a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) II. xvii. cii. 994 Dede bodies ben ykepte saue and sounde whanne þey ben ybawmed wiþ confecciouns of mirra.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 7867 (MED) Sauf and sond ai mot þou be To all þe folk es vnder þe.
a1500 (?a1390) J. Mirk Festial (Gough) (1905) 17 And soo he ȝede sonde and saf hys way.
1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie ii. ix. 42 b [He] was by a Dolphin brought safe and sound to the porte.
1610 P. Holland tr. W. Camden Brit. i. 635 Gobanivm,..keeping the ancient name, as it were, safe and sound is tearmed Aber-Gevenny.
1703 M. Martin Descr. W. Islands Scotl. 79 It is lawful for any of the Inhabitants to steal his Neighbours Horse the Night before the race,..provided he deliver him safe and sound to the Owner after the race.
1849 G. Grote Hist. Greece VI. ii. l. 327 He would again replace him ‘safe and sound’ in the fortification.
1890 tr. C. Letourneau Biology ii. xii. 182 The actinia devoured by a larger individual..is often revomited safe and sound.
1937 L. Jones Cwmardy vi. 85 There be no man or devil..can shift me from by here until I see my James safe and sound.
2000 ‘L. Child’ Running Blind xiv. 160 As far as Reacher knew, you were still right here in town... He doesn't know you're safe and sound in London.
b. In good health, well. Cf. sense 2.
ΚΠ
a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 868 (MED) He was al sauf & sound of alle his sor greues.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 8170 ‘Thoru þe,’ he said, ‘sal þis mesele, Be sauf and sund of al vn-hele.’
1837 Dublin Univ. Mag. Dec. 674/1 I will neither eat nor drink till I hear what the doctor will say about her... May Jasus guard her, and spare her safe and sound to us.
1911 W. C. Gorgas in R. L. Owen Yellow Fever v. 241 If a man exposed to yellow fever..passed through six days safe and sound he was known to have escaped that particular exposure.
2002 Vegetarian Times Nov. 45 (heading) Safe and Sound. Avoid the risks of HRT with these natural alternatives.
c. colloquial. With be, arrive, etc.: with the weakened sense ‘duly arrived’. Cf. Phrases 8.
ΚΠ
1848 Fraser's Mag. Oct. 460/2 He caught the up-train, he arrived safe and sound in town.
1882 G. A. Sala Amer. Revisited (1885) ii. 25 I was safe and sound in the Brevoort coach.
1887 Cent. Mag. Dec. 197/2 I promised to bring you both to lunch, safe and sound.
1913 N. Munro in Evening News (Glasgow) 3 Mar. 2/5 ‘Never mind aboot that the noo,’ said Erchie; ‘the aerial squadron from Farnborough for Montrose..landed safe and sound on Thursday last.’
1998 P. Theroux tr. I. Ali Dongola iii. iii. 98 The train is gone... He'll arrive safe and sound tomorrow.
P2. with (a) safe conscience [after classical Latin salvā conscientiā] : with a clear conscience. Cf. sense 4.
ΚΠ
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) iv. l. 917 I mai wel with sauf conscience Excuse me of necgligence Towardes love in alle wise.
1549 H. Latimer 1st Serm. before Kynges Grace sig. Di The which treasure, if it be not sufficiente, he maye lawfullye and wyth a salue consience, take taxis of hys subiectes.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. viv To reuoke his sentence already taught and defended, he can not with a safe conscience [L. cum bona conscientia].
a1616 W. Shakespeare Julius Caesar (1623) i. i. 13 A Trade Sir, that I hope I may vse, with a safe Conscience . View more context for this quotation
1700 W. Congreve Way of World v. i. 73 So as long as it was not a Bible-Oath, we may break it with a safe Conscience.
1767 C. Smart tr. Horace Odes ii. iv, in tr. Horace Wks. (new ed.) I. 155 Her face, her limbs so form'd t'engage, I praise with a safe conscience still.
a1817 J. Austen Northanger Abbey (1818) I. xiii. 231 Now we may all go to-morrow with a safe conscience . View more context for this quotation
1865 Dublin Rev. Jan. 61 Gregory XVI., as is well known, answered a formal inquiry by saying that Catholics might, with a perfectly safe conscience, assent to the Belgian constitution.
1918 J. C. Davies Baronial Opposition to Edward II i. xii. 290 A conference was held..as to whether the lords could with safe conscience retain the lands of the Templars.
1985 Times 26 Feb. 14/6 I can say with a safe conscience that..there will be no matching broadcasting services here, there, or anywhere, at 18p a day.
2005 Sun (Nexis) 7 July You can go abroad with a safe conscience.
P3. safe and soon (also soon and safe): unharmed and with little delay. Cf. sense 3a.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > [adjective]
safec1325
unharmed1340
safe and soona1393
sicker and safea1398
halea1400
lotlessa1400
harmless1418
unsunkc1586
hunk1856
hunky1861
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) ii. l. 2188 (MED) So that thei mihten sauf and sone The water passe.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Comedy of Errors (1623) i. i. 48 And soone, and safe, [she] arriued where I was. View more context for this quotation
1839 Tait's Edinb. Mag. July 476/1 Soon and safe may you return, for the prayer of the fatherless and widow will be along wid yees.
1867 Leisure Hour 1 Oct. 626/2 You must leave your house and land..and go far away among the cold uncivil strangers. But you will come back safe and soon.
1917 S. Calif. Practitioner Oct. 161/2 The war is..taking away many of our best physicians, surgeons, and specialists. May they all return soon and safe.
2005 in C. H. Cash Table in Presence viii. 164 I hope you all get back safe and soon. The whole country..depends on you our soldiers.
P4. safe and sure (also †sure and safe), †safe and sicker (also †sicker and safe (sicker adj.)), †quit and safe: unharmed, free from molestation; not liable to be harmed, secure. Also: not liable to cause harm. See also safe and sound at Phrases 1, safe and soon at Phrases 3.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > [adjective]
safec1325
unharmed1340
safe and soona1393
sicker and safea1398
halea1400
lotlessa1400
harmless1418
unsunkc1586
hunk1856
hunky1861
a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) II. xiv. iii. 697 Whan þe wylde bestes ben yhuntid with hunters in þe valeye, þey flee to þe monteins and ben þer syker and sauf.
c1425 (c1400) Laud Troy-bk. l. 18201 (MED) Off no-thing were thei a-dredde; Thei wende thei hadde ben saue & sure.
Promptorium Parvulorum (Harl. 221) 440 Saaf, and sekyr, salvus.
a1449 in S. A. Moore Lett. & Papers J. Shillingford (1871) ii. 88 Other thyng more of the saide cite ther to be kept stronge saf and sure.
1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) i. 29 I shall lete you goo quyte & sauf.
?c1500 J. Blount tr. N. Upton Essent. Portions De Studio Militari (1931) 23 We geve & graunte by these present letters to gyles of vytrey knyght free lycence, salue & sure condute, [etc.].
1567 G. Turberville tr. Ovid Heroycall Epist. f. 125 There may Leander make a safe and sicker stay.
1582 S. Batman Vppon Bartholome, De Proprietatibus Rerum 380 The Eagle dwelleth sure and safe in most high places.
1582 S. Batman Vppon Bartholome, De Proprietatibus Rerum 791 One of them [sc. the young scorpions] leapeth on the thigh of the Scorpionesse, and sitteth there safe & sure from the stinging of the taile.
1633 T. Stafford Pacata Hibernia i. viii. 58 And his sonnes bound very safe and sure.
1715 C. Bullock Slip iii All's sure and safe, on with your Vizzard, Sir.
1878 Mrs. H. Wood in Argosy 24 201 We are all safe and sure, Caromel; not a hint shall escape us.
1960 Daily Mirror 21 June 11 Used by doctors, Larson's is safe and sure. Contains no drugs.
P5. Proverb. safe bind (and) safe find: a possession always left secure will always be found safe. Cf. sense 11. Now rare.
ΚΠ
1570 T. Tusser Hundreth Good Pointes Husbandry (new ed.) f. 32 Drye Sunne or drye wynde..Safe binde and safe finde.
1718 M. Prior Poems Several Occasions (new ed.) 293 Safe bind, Says the old Proverb, and Safe find.
1775 Adventures of Corkscrew ii. 24 I have seen enough of the world to know the signfication of the words, Safe bind, safe find.
1841 Roberts' Semi-monthly Mag. 1 Sept. 635/1 I do not know that I might not steal them myself, if they were not my own. Safe bind safe find, Master Morin... I never leave any one in my shop when I am out of it.
1938 H. F. M. Prescott Dead & not Buried x. 110 One of those who believe that they who safe bind, safe find. One lock, two bolts and a chain had to be dealt with.
1953 J. Coulson tr. F. Dostoevsky Crime & Punishm. ii. iv. 130 It will be better if I keep the things: safe bind, safe find; and if something happens,..I can hand them in.
2005 A. Jaimoukha Chechens xvi. 243 Safe bind, safe find. Caution is the parent of safety.
P6. Similative phrases.
a. (as) safe as ——: in complete security or concealment (by comparison to various things considered very safe).
ΚΠ
1582 S. Gosson Playes Confuted Ep. Ded. sig. A I when I sleepe shall be as safe, as the childe in his cradle.
1639 J. Clarke Paroemiologia 47 As safe as a mouse in a malt-heape.
1786 G. M. A. Baretti Tolondron 222 So far, le Baron de Tolondrognac is as safe, as an escargot in his winter-shell.
1894 S. Baring-Gould Queen of Love 280 ‘I feared all was gone.’ ‘It is safe as the Bank of England.’
1919 ‘K. Mansfield’ Let. 26 Oct. (1993) III. 48 You simply must not worry about me. I am as safe as a rock.
2009 J. Kernan Dream Stalker 246 Sebastian smiled, a rueful, cocky smile that made Michaela feel safe as a baby lion between its mother's paws.
b. (as) safe as a bug in a rug: secure from harm; cf. snug as a bug in a rug (snug adj.1 2b).
ΚΠ
a1815 W. Hutton Life & Hist. Family (1816) 137 The doctor..said, ‘You are as safe as a bug in a rug’.
1878 E. B. Tuttle Border Tales vi. 134 ‘Heavenly Father! are we safe?’ ‘Safe as a bug in a rug,’ said Bond.
1906 W. Woods Billy the Kid in America's Lost Plays (1940) VIII. iv. 245 No one ever comes this way and ye would be as safe as a bug in a rug as long as ye wanted to remain.
1928 H. Lauder Roamin' in Gloamin' xvii. 206 If yer name's on a shell or a bullet you'll get it an' if it's no yer as safe as a bug in a rug!
2006 C. Adair Edge of Fear xv. 141 If she and her father hadn't had a falling-out, she'd be safe as a bug in a rug..in his hideaway in Matera right now.
c. (as) safe as houses: see house n.1 and int. Phrases 1i.
P7. to see someone safe: to look after a person, to protect the interests of a person; (also of a thing) to be beneficial to one or ensure one's success.Cf. to see someone all right at all right adv., adj., int., and n. Phrases 2, to see someone right at right adj. and int. Phrases 7c.
ΚΠ
1578 W. B. tr. Appian of Alexandria Aunc. Hist. Romanes Warres iii. 169 Diuers of the Captaynes promised him, that if he woulde come to them, they woulde see hym safe [Gk. φυλάξειν].
1633 W. Rowley All's Lost by Lust i. sig. B1v That shall be our care noble Iulianus, to see her safe, We love Iacinta more then you must know.
1664 Ungrateful Favourite v. ii. 77 Captain, to your care I do commit Maligno: see him safe, as you'll answer't.
1859 Let. 14 Apr. in S. F. Tower In Memoriam: Scilly & its Emperor (1873) 43 I have a certain phalanx of friends who will see me safe if possible.
1889 R. L. Stevenson Master of Ballantrae xii. 328 I will see you safe, if you be innocent.
1934 G. C. Faber Publisher Speaking (1935) i. 28 There are occasions when it is reasonable for a bookseller to ask that the publisher shall ‘see him safe’.
1962 M. Bonham-Carter in M. Asquith Autobiogr. Introd. p. xviii Acting on the assumption that his partners would see him safe.., he made out a cheque for £100,000 in his own name.
1992 Guardian 7 Apr. 20/1 The service industries, the banks and the Barlow Clowes, the pizza parlours and the estate agencies would see us safe.
2017 Daily Tel. (Nexis) 8 Apr. (Sport section) 6 Willett arrived on the 18th thinking a birdie would definitely see him safe, but he blasted it into the trees.
P8. to be, arrive (etc.) safe, also safe and sound (see Phrases 1): to be duly arrived, to be at one's destination, etc.
ΚΠ
1597 W. Shakespeare Richard II ii. ii. 50 The banisht Bullingbrooke..with vplifted armes is safe ariude at Rauenspurgh.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Macbeth (1623) v. xi. 2 Mal. I would the Friends we misse, were safe arriu'd. Sey. Some must go off. View more context for this quotation
1686 J. Scott Christian Life: Pt. II II. vii. 1245 They are safe arrived into each others Arms, never, never to be parted more.
1710 J. Swift Jrnl. to Stella 9 Sept. (1948) I. 11 I send this only to tell I am safe in London.
1781 in R. Putnam Mem. (1903) 184 Your favor of the 25, with the cow-thieves, arrived safe.
1847 C. Bronté Let. in Hours at Home (1870) Aug. 299/2 I am truly glad you are safe at home. Was not—delighted to see you?
1869 A. Hoggard Let. 30 Dec. in Afr. Repository (1870) May 158 I have arrived safe in Liberia, with all the emigrants in good health, except two of them.
1908 Munsey's Mag. Aug. 605/1 Here I am safe in Flanders.
P9. to play safe: see to play safe at play v. 17a(d).
†P10. safe come, safe go, safe stay [compare Old French, Middle French sauf alant et sauf venant (late 13th cent.; also Middle French sauf alant (c1382)), post-classical Latin salvum venire et stare (et recedere) right to come and stay (and go) (1200, 1224 in British sources)] : safe conduct; protection. Obsolete. rare.
ΚΠ
a1641 J. Smyth Berkeley MSS (1883) I. 96 He hath letters of safe come, safe goe, and safe staye for five dayes.
†P11. (to come) to safe hand: to arrive safely. Obsolete.Perhaps an alteration of to come safe to hand (cf. quot. 1737 at sense 3a) influenced by safe hand n.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > correspondence > postal services > [verb (intransitive)] > of letter: reach destination > safely
(to come) to safe hand1645
1645 J. Howell Epistolæ Ho-elianæ i. xiv. 25 Yours of the third of August, came to safe hand in an inclos'd from my Brother.
1650 J. Howell Addit. Lett. xviii. 30 in Epistolæ Ho-elianæ (ed. 2) Your last of the fourth current came to safe hand.
P12. in (also into) safe hands: see hand n. Phrases 1f(e)(ii).
P13. on the safe side: with a margin of security to avoid error or danger. Now chiefly in to be on the safe side. Cf. sense 9a, and on the sure side at sure adj., adv., and int. Phrases 5c.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > care, carefulness, or attention > caution > with caution [phrase] > on the safe side, etc.
for (also occasionally to) (the more) sureness1419
on the safe side1719
safety first1843
better (to be) safe than sorry1874
1687 R. L'Estrange Brief Hist. Times sig. a 4 I have some Right, Methinks,..to speak a Word or Two on the Safe Side of the Question.]
1719 J. Leng Nat. Obligations x. 317 I cannot see how we could reasonably advise a wise man to act otherwise than on the safe side.
1788 S. Low Politician Out-witted iv. iii. 51 It is a laudable imperfection, if I may be allowed the phrase;—it is erring on the safe side, for women's affairs are delicate things to meddle with, ladies.
1811 J. Austen Sense & Sensibility III. iv. 78 Determining to be on the safe side, he made his apology in form as soon as he could say anything. View more context for this quotation
1847 F. Marryat Children of New Forest I. xi. 207 Be on the safe side, and do not trust him too far.
1858 Mercantile Marine Mag. 5 84 They should rather err on the safe side.
1893 R. S. Ball Story of Sun 307 For the sake of being on the safe side, I have taken the lowest value.
1921 R. W. Chapman Engin. & University 5 If in many cases the design was neither the best possible nor the most economical, the engineers at least generally erred on the safe side.
1994 Harrowsmith Country Life Dec. 52/2 To be on the safe side, wrap duct tape around the joint where the pipe meets the thimble.
2006 S. Harrigan Challenger Park xxxii. 310 There had been some damage to one of the engines of the shuttle. Just to be on the safe side, it had come home early.
P14. Chiefly Irish English. safe home: (as a farewell) ‘safe journey’, ‘get home safely’. [After various Irish expressions of farewell using the word slán (adjective) healthy, whole, safe, (noun) health, safety (see slauntiagh n.) and a reference to going home, in later use especially in the combination slán abhaile ( < slán + abhaile homewards), originally in longer phrases such as go dtuga Dia slán abhaile thú ‘may God lead you home safely’ (compare a similar construction in quot. 1824). Compare also Irish slán leat, lit. ‘safety with you’, slán agat, lit. ‘safety at you’, and slán, all used in the sense ‘farewell’.]
ΚΠ
1732 C. O'Begly Eng. Irish Dict. 592/1 I wish you safe home, go srojġṫe tú slán ċum dáruis [‘may you get safely to your home’].
1824 T. C. Croker Researches S. Ireland xii. 223 If the traveller has to apprehend danger on his route, the expressions are more energetic, as ‘Safe home to you by the help of God’.
1847 Dolman's Mag. Nov. 280 A civil ‘safe home, sir’, and a touch of the hat to myself, was sufficient evidence of good will and national courtesy.
1907 New Eng. Mag. Sept. 45/1 Wade followed him to the edge of the clearing with his first sense of loneliness tugging within him. ‘Safe home to you, Mr. Ide,’ he said.
2000 M. Fletcher Silver Linings (2001) ix. 244 ‘I'll not hold yer back,’ he told me as I made to go. ‘Right yer be. Safe home.’
P15. Proverb. better (to be) safe than sorry: it is preferable to be cautious rather than to suffer the results of carelessness. Cf. earlier better (to be) sure than sorry at sure adj., adv., and int. Phrases 10.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > care, carefulness, or attention > caution > [adjective]
warelyOE
warec1000
adviseda1325
averty1330
aware1340
ferdfula1382
well-advisedc1405
circumspect1430
hooly1513
fearful1526
curiousa1533
chary1542
wareful1548
cautelous1574
cauty1579
careful1580
wary1580
retentive1599
wary1599
ginger1600
circumstant1603
cautel1606
shya1616
cautionate1616
warisome1628
cautiousa1640
circumspectious1649
circumspectivea1674
gingerish1764
safe1874
pussy-footed1893
pussyfooting1926
risk-averse1961
risk-adverse1969
the world > action or operation > manner of action > care, carefulness, or attention > caution > with caution [phrase] > on the safe side, etc.
for (also occasionally to) (the more) sureness1419
on the safe side1719
safety first1843
better (to be) safe than sorry1874
1874 Parl. Deb. Victoria (Austral.) 16 July 683/2 As it is better to be safe than sorry, I think we ought to have the heavier rails.
1933 Radio Times 14 Apr. 125/1 Cheap distempers very soon crack or fade. Better be safe than sorry. Ask for Hall's.
1958 W. Armstrong True Bk. Lighthouses & Lightships xiii. 131 ‘Better be safe than sorry’ was always the unspoken motto of lighthouse and lightship men.
1962 A. Nisbett Technique Sound Studio vii. 120 For tapes that are to be broadcast it is better to be safe than sorry.
1972 J. Wilson Hide & Seek vii. 128 It's not that I want to shut you in...But—well, it's better to be safe than sorry.
2009 M. Krepon Better Safe than Sorry iii. 59 It would have been far better to stop the flight testing... Once again, it was better to be safe than sorry.

Compounds

C1. With participles. Frequently poetic.
a.
† safebestowing n. Obsolete
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > [noun] > making safe > putting in a safe place
safebestowing1575
1575 in A. Feuillerat Documents Office of Revels Queen Elizabeth (1908) 254 Putting in order and safebestowinge of the garmentes.
safe-going adj. now rare
ΚΠ
1599 S. Daniel Musophilus in Poet. Ess. sig. F A true discern, of the cleare wayes That lie direct, with safe-going equitie Imbroyling not their owne & others dayes.
1778 Earl of Pembroke Mil. Equitation (ed. 3) ii. 17 Nothing remains to be done, but to make them drop the reins quite on a safe-going horse.
1875 A. Trollope Way we live Now I. xlvii. 296 In this safe-going country young men perhaps are not their own masters till they are past thirty.
1912 National Mag. Nov. 289/2 Captain Turner sailed the Gulf for years, and was known and respected..as a safe-going mariner.
† safe-marching adj. Obsolete rare
ΚΠ
1755 J. N. Scott Ess. transl. Homer 3 Safe-marching through the Camp.
b.
† safe-borne adj. Obsolete rare
ΚΠ
1761 Gratulatio Academiæ Cantabrigiensis Auspicatissimas Georgii III sig. Ii3 Safe borne beneath th'expanded wing, Of her proud convoy, midst a subject fleet, Th'imperial Vessel sails.
1896 R. Kipling Seven Seas 38 Average fifteen hunder souls safe-borne fra' port to port.
safe-buttressed adj. rare
ΚΠ
1918 G. Frankau One of Them xxxii. 249 O Empire thrice and four times blessed by Fate, Safe-buttressed on ten thousand O.B.E.s!
safe enshrined adj.
ΚΠ
a1723 S. Centlivre Abelard to Eloise in Lovers Cabinet (1755) 84 Was ever Woman to her Lord so kind, That has not pray'd to see him safe enshrin'd?
1837 County Nov. 253 To have my image safe enshrined Within a gentle heart, Can give me pleasure more refined Than splendid deeds impart.
1926 W. de la Mare Memory in R. Kipling & W. de la Mare St. Andrews Keeps she for me, then, safe-enshrined..those bleached grey streets.
1942 Southeast Economist 5 Nov. 4/2 Safe enshrined in my heart's temple, I kept it, where no eye could see.
safe moored adj. now rare
ΚΠ
1762 J. Dalrymple Answers for J. Brown Merchant in Glasgow 9 The adventure was to endure only until the vessel was safe moored.
1834 T. Carlyle Sartor Resartus iii. xii, in Fraser's Mag. Aug. 193/2 Safe-moored in some stillest obscurity.
1912 M. E. Waller Cry in Wilderness (1913) ii. ix. 142 The dugout rocked safe moored within the cove.
safe sequestered adj.
ΚΠ
1725 A. Pope tr. Homer Odyssey II. v. 561 Some smooth ascent, or safe-sequester'd bay.
1824 P. Brontë in J. H. Turner Brontëana (1898) 205 Rooks on rapid pinions move, For their lov'd home, the safe sequester'd grove.
1930 R. Campbell Poems 17 Safe-sequestered in some rural glen.
2000 G. O. West Bible in Afr. iv. 600 Poor and marginalized communities practice their arts of resistance in safe sequestered sites until an appropriate opportunity for public resistance can be found.
safe-swung adj. rare
ΚΠ
1900 R. Kipling in Cent. Mag. Jan. 407 Safe-swung above the glassy death.
C2.
safe area n. now historical (esp. during the Second World War (1939–45)) an area not liable to be attacked, bombed, or invaded.
ΚΠ
1934 C. R. M. F. Cruttwell Hist. Great War xxviii. 467 Tired or inferior divisions could no longer be sent to a ‘safe’ area with any comfortable certainty that ample time would be available for their relief before an attack could be mounted.
1944 Ourselves in Wartime 175 The air-blitz..stimulated evacuation afresh... Many thousands of children were removed to safe areas, and..over 620,000 children were settled in reception areas.
2001 Jrnl. (Newcastle) (Nexis) 22 Dec. 22 Daughters left to work in factories and farms,..and young children were evacuated to safe areas to avoid bombs.
safe bet n. a near certainty; an option or course of action involving little or no risk.
ΚΠ
1808 Sketches of Character III. i. 28 ‘An Earl against a Viscount is a safe bet any day,’ returned Major Lethbridge.
1846 Albion (N.Y.) 30 May 259/1 It would be a safe bet at any hour of the day between ten and five o'clock, that you would in walking the streets see one or more females standing thus at the windows of more than half the houses.
1959 Sunday Times 20 Dec. 21/1 It is a safe bet that Festivallers can now count on hearing some recent works of Britten.
1971 P. G. Wodehouse Much Obliged, Jeeves vii. 69 I go in mostly for who-dun-its and novels of suspense. For the who-dun-it Agatha Christie is always a safe bet.
2003 J. Gelfer Little Bk. Student Bollocks 6 Appearing slightly mysterious and remote in the face of social try-hards will always be a safe bet.
safe harbour n. (a) a place of shelter and safety, esp. for ships; also as a mass noun; frequently figurative; (b) originally and chiefly U.S. a provision in a legal or formal document designed to protect a party who makes a legitimate or excusable violation of its terms; frequently attributive.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > protection or defence > refuge or shelter > [noun] > a place of refuge
havenc1225
infleeinga1300
leinda1300
harbourc1300
reseta1325
harbouryc1325
refutec1350
asylec1384
receipta1393
refugec1405
port salut?1407
recept1423
porta1425
receptaclec1425
place (etc.) of refuge?a1439
retreat1481
port haven1509
stelling-place1513
refugie1515
retraict1550
safe haven1555
havening place1563
sanctuarya1568
safe harbour1569
sheepfold1579
subterfuge1593
arka1616
lopeholt1616
latebra1626
asylum1642
creep-hole1646
harbourage1651
reverticle1656
creeping-hole1665
a port in a (also the) storm1714
receptory1856
padded cell1876
funk-hole1900
1569 B. Googe Shippe of Safegarde sig. C.v A gorgeous Ile, an earthly paradyse,..Doth please the eye, and doth allure the minde Of men that think safe harbour there to finde.
1629 H. Burton Truth's Triumph 75 A secure roade and safe harbour for all heauenly merchants to anchor in.
1775 Descr. County Middlesex 47 This place therefore formerly was a safe harbour for the most abandoned and profligate of mankind; where ruffians, thieves, murderers and others, took shelter from the hands of justice.
1850 R. Cobbold Father's Legacy to his Children xviii. 149 Run ye to Him, bow down your soul and pray, And ask for wisdom, and for faith and peace; There in safe harbour ye shall rest in love.
1896 K. Francke Social Forces in German Lit. viii. 362 In the love of Frau von Stein Goethe had found a safe harbour for his affections.
1904 A. N. Whitehead Gaspard de Coligny iv. 72 He clung to Catholicism... It was a safe harbour for an honest, inelastic, and not too dogmatic mind.
1965 Harvard Law Rev. 78 1640 The SEC could promulgate a safe harbor provision.., either absolute or rebuttable upon a clear showing of lack of sophistication.
1992 Manitoba Vac. Planner 10/3 In the 18th century it was a safe harbour and winter haven for Hudson's Bay Co. sloops.
2002 NewsMax.com Oct. 60/2 The Reform Act provides for the so-called safe harbor, which protects companies from being sued when their forecasts go unrequited.
safe haven n. a place of shelter and safety for ships; now chiefly figurative (also as a mass noun) and in extended use; cf. safe harbour n. (a).
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > protection or defence > refuge or shelter > [noun] > a place of refuge
havenc1225
infleeinga1300
leinda1300
harbourc1300
reseta1325
harbouryc1325
refutec1350
asylec1384
receipta1393
refugec1405
port salut?1407
recept1423
porta1425
receptaclec1425
place (etc.) of refuge?a1439
retreat1481
port haven1509
stelling-place1513
refugie1515
retraict1550
safe haven1555
havening place1563
sanctuarya1568
safe harbour1569
sheepfold1579
subterfuge1593
arka1616
lopeholt1616
latebra1626
asylum1642
creep-hole1646
harbourage1651
reverticle1656
creeping-hole1665
a port in a (also the) storm1714
receptory1856
padded cell1876
funk-hole1900
1555 R. Eden tr. Peter Martyr of Angleria Decades of Newe Worlde f. 107v In the mouth of this goulfe were foure lyttle Ilandes so nere together, that they made a safe hauen to enter into the goulfe.
1668 J. Dryden Sr Martin Mar-all iii. 27 Your friendship's my safe Haven, else I am lost and ship-wrack'd.
1773 London Mag. Oct. 492/2 When a man, says Epicurus, recalls to memory the storms that he has weathered, the dangers he has passed, he fancies himself in a safe haven.
1831 Ladies' Museum Dec. 279/1 The safe, though feeble plank, by which to gain Safe haven from the storm of sinful sorrow's main.
1902 G. E. Collins Hist. Brocklesby Hounds 178 Try as our good amateur huntsman could, he failed to make any more of his fox, so concluded he had found a safe haven among the bricks and tiles.
2002 BusinessWeek 23 Sept. 116/1 Money market mutual funds make for a safe haven in turbulent times, but the returns are lousy.
safe hit n. Baseball = base hit n. at base n.1 Compounds 2b.Also in softball.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > baseball > [noun] > batting > types of hit
skyscraper1842
single1851
grass trimmer1867
safe hit1867
roller1871
sacrifice1880
triple1880
two-bagger1880
sacrifice hit1881
pop-up1882
pop fly1884
fungo1887
bunt1889
safety1895
bunting1896
drive1896
hit and run1899
pinch hit1905
Texas leaguer1905
squeeze1908
hopper1914
scratch hit1917
squib1929
line-drive1931
nubber1937
lay-in1951
squeeze bunt1952
comebacker1954
moon shot1961
gapper1970
sacrifice fly1970
sacrifice bunt1974
1867 Advocate (Harvard Univ.) 6 June 104/1 Lovett goes to second base by safe hit to left field.
1895 G. J. Manson Sporting Dict. Safe Hits, this term is applied to high balls sent from the bat with just force enough to carry them over the head of the infields, but not far enough out for the outfielders to catch.
1897 Earl of Suffolk et al. Encycl. Sport I. 77/2 Immediately the batsman hits a fair ball, he endeavours to get to first base... He may get there on a safe hit made by the succeeding batsman.
1998 Evening Post (Wellington) (Nexis) 9 Nov. 24 Thompson hadn't had a safe hit in his three previous turns at bat.
safe-injection adj. originally and chiefly North American designating a place where intravenous drug users may inject drugs under supervision of medical staff, as in safe-injection facility, safe-injection room, safe-injection site, etc.
ΚΠ
1998 Foreign Affairs 77 i. 114 Harm-reduction innovations include..establishing ‘safe-injection rooms’ so addicts do not congregate in public places or dangerous ‘shooting galleries’.
2005 Economist 12 Nov. 62/3 Two trials unique to North America have been launched, with federal help: a safe injection site for heroin addicts and a clinic prescribing free heroin to hard-core addicts.
2018 B. Macy Dopesick Epil. 302 Philadelphia edged closer to launching the nation's first supervised safe-injection facility.
safe lamp n. (a) Mining = safety lamp n. at safety n. Compounds 3 (now historical); (b) Photography (chiefly in form safelamp) = safe light n. (b).
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > mining equipment > [noun] > lamp
pitman candle1658
fire lamp1769
steel mill1772
safe lamp1815
safe lantern1815
safety lamp1815
safety lantern1815
safe light1816
Davy1817
lamp1839
Geordie1844
pit lamp1860
flame-lamp1888
the world > matter > light > artificial light > an artificial light > [noun] > lamp > with a protected flame > in coal mines
safe lamp1815
safety lamp1815
safety lantern1815
safe light1816
Davy1817
society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > photography > photographic processes > processing and printing equipment > [noun] > other processing or printing equipment
filter paper1670
buffer1854
fuming-box1874
squeegee1878
light trap1881
changing table1882
print-washer1889
washer1891
safe lamp1893
rectifier1921
apron1935
register board1967
1815 H. Davy Let. 30 Oct. in J. A. Paris Life Sir H. Davy (1831) II. 82 I trust the Safe lamp will answer all the objects of the collier.
1893 Chemist & Druggist 13 May 657/1 Many amateur photographers when on tour require to take with them a safe lamp for changing plates, developing, &c.
1940 Pop. Mech. Sept. 450/2 The work must be done in a subdued light such as provided by a darkroom safelamp.
1983 New Scientist 10 Feb. 364/1 The matter rested there until his [sc. Davy's] return, during which time Clanny and Stephenson were working on their own versions of a safe lamp.
2000 L. Stroebel et al. Basic Photogr. Materials & Processes (ed. 2) 226/1 Select a dye that changes to a color that can be distinguished under the red, orange, or amber color of a safelamp.
safe lantern n. Mining (now historical and rare) = safety lamp n. at safety n. Compounds 3.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > mining equipment > [noun] > lamp
pitman candle1658
fire lamp1769
steel mill1772
safe lamp1815
safe lantern1815
safety lamp1815
safety lantern1815
safe light1816
Davy1817
lamp1839
Geordie1844
pit lamp1860
flame-lamp1888
1815 H. Davy in Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 106 12 The first safe lantern that I had constructed, was made of tin-plate, and the light emitted through four glass plates in the sides.
2008 R. Holmes Age of Wonder viii. 364 Despite some fearful explosions, Davy already had at least three working prototypes of a ‘Safe Lantern’ ready by the end of October.
safe light n. †(a) Mining = safety lamp n. at safety n. Compounds 3 (obsolete); (b) Photography (chiefly in form safelight) a dim, coloured light used in a darkroom, the colour being that which the plate, film, etc., being worked with is least sensitive to (typically red or amber).
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > mining equipment > [noun] > lamp
pitman candle1658
fire lamp1769
steel mill1772
safe lamp1815
safe lantern1815
safety lamp1815
safety lantern1815
safe light1816
Davy1817
lamp1839
Geordie1844
pit lamp1860
flame-lamp1888
the world > matter > light > artificial light > an artificial light > [noun] > lamp > with a protected flame > in coal mines
safe lamp1815
safety lamp1815
safety lantern1815
safe light1816
Davy1817
1816 H. Davy in Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 106 23 I have already had the honor of communicating to the Royal Society an account of a safe light.
1883 Year-bk. Photogr. p. xxiii (advt.) 1. A safe light for the preparation of gelatino-bromide emulsion. 2. A safe light for the coating of gelatino-bromide plates.
1905 Trans. Inst. Mining Engineers 1903–4 26 309 The Sunderland Society then applied to Sir Humphrey Davy to assist them with the problem of a safe light for use in fiery mines.
1952 Pop. Mech. Apr. 211 Photographers who frequently switch from one type of safelight filter to another will find this two-way safelight a real timesaver.
2010 Los Angeles Times (Nexis) 22 Apr. e4 Auto reversal paper was spread over a table in a darkroom with only a safelight on.
safelighted adj. Photography illuminated by a safelight.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > photography > photographic processes > processing and printing equipment > [adjective] > light-trapped or safe-lit
light-trapped1894
safelighted1917
1917 Photo-miniature Oct. 376 The paper needed for the order in hand is cut to size, piled face down at one side of the machine (the room being properly ‘safe-lighted’), and the printing is proceeded with.
1954 Daily Mail (Hagerstown, Maryland) 1 Apr. 18/1 The individual staff darkrooms..are arranged in series along a safelighted corridor within the department.
2000 L. Blacklow New Dimensions in Photo Processes (ed. 3) xii. 171 If you are contact printing an enlarged transparency and do not have access to a darkroom, merely flash an overhead tungsten light bulb in a safelighted room.
safelighting n. Photography illumination provided by a safelight.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > photography > photographic processes > [noun] > use of safe-light
safelighting1893
1893 Anthony's Photogr. Bull. 26 Aug. 532/2 The comfort from heat, and safe lighting of the room, is testified to by the numbers using it [sc. an indoor darkroom] in preference to the one standing in the glaring sunlight.
1977 J. Hedgecoe Photographer's Handbk. 39 Printing papers and films intended for copying black and white originals have this sensitivity, allowing the use of bright orange safe-lighting.
2000 G. C. Webb in I. A. Darby & T. D. Hewitson In Situ Hybridization Protocols iii. 43 Safelighting should be with an Ilford 914 filter in front of a 15-W globe, at least a meter away from bulk emulsions.
safe-lit adj. Photography illuminated by a safelight.
ΚΠ
1979 Amateur Photographer 10 Jan. 75/1 Electronic timers are far more accurate than relying on peering at your watch in a safelit darkroom.
2003 Building Design (Nexis) 10 Oct. 18 Atmel Micro-electronics Wallsend, a sunflower-yellow, safe-lit interior, with humans pacing dust-free corridors in protective suits.
safe load n. a load which leaves the required margin of security against causing breakage or injury to a structure; cf. safety n. Phrases 5.
ΚΠ
1797 Encycl. Brit. XVIII. 13/1 The soft bed of Givry stone had for its smallest strength 187,000, for its greatest 311,000, and for its safe load 249,000.
1868 W. Humber Strains in Girders 67 Breaking and Safe Loads for Bridges, Girders, etc.
1908 Daily Tel. 30 Jan. 15/4 This particular chain was certified..as being capable of standing a strain of three tons, so that its ‘safe’ load was 1½ ton.
2001 Old-house Jrnl. July 37/2 All of the hydraulic jacks made today should..be clearly labeled with their maximum safe load rating.
safe mode n. (a) a mode of operation of a weapon, device, etc., in which it is considered safe or unlikely to fail; (b) Computing a way of running an operating system or program in which only device drivers, programs, plug-ins, etc., that provide basic functionality are loaded, typically so as to minimize chances of a system crash and to help in the diagnosis of errors or failures.
ΚΠ
1970 U.S. Patent 3,489,107 5 The device will remain in a ‘Safe’ mode and will not explode.
1983 Science 11 Mar. 1200/3 The spacecraft..with the ability to protect the instruments by going into a ‘safe mode’ at the first sign of an anomaly.
1996 S. J. Bigelow Troubleshooting & repairing Computer Printers (ed. 2) xii. 402 You probably have a conflict in your Windows 95 drivers. Start Windows 95 in its ‘safe mode’.
2008 Sydney Morning Herald (Nexis) 9 June (Guide section) 9 If that doesn't work, the next step is to close Firefox and open it in Safe Mode.
safe period n. the days of the menstrual cycle during which a woman is least likely to become pregnant; also in extended use.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > biology > biological processes > procreation or reproduction > reproductive cycle > [noun] > menstrual cycle
safe period1900
postmenstruum1910
premenstruum1910
mid-cycle1952
unsafe period1961
paramenstruum1966
rhythm1974
1900 D. F. Wilcox Ethical Marriage iii. x. 87 Sexual intercourse for pleasure limited to the so-called ‘safe’ periods, including the periods of pregnancy and lactation, with intercourse for procreation when offspring is desired.
1923 M. C. Stopes Contraception ii. 14 The proper form of contraceptive must be one available at any time by the pair: and so the ‘safe period’ often advocated by those who pose as moralists is not satisfactory.
1981 J. Ross Dark Blue & Dangerous xiii. 75 When you're in the middle of a murder enquiry, I suspect that it's some kind of a male safe period for you.
2007 P. J. Steer in C. Oakley & C. A. Warnes Heart Dis. in Pregnancy (ed. 2) xxiii. 330 The so-called ‘safe period’ relies on the assumption that the average woman ovulates 14 days from the beginning of her last menstrual period.
safe pledge n. [after post-classical Latin salvus plegius (1199, c1265 in British sources)] Law (now historical and rare) a surety given in order to guarantee a person's appearance at his or her trial.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > administration of justice > general proceedings > bailing or bail > [noun] > bail or security for release of prisoner
bail1495
safe pledge1607
1607 J. Cowell Interpreter at Safe Safe pledge, (Salvus plegius) is a suretie giuen for a mans appearance against a day assigned.
1775 J. Paul Every Landlord 122 Do you..by sureties and safe pledges compel the said A. that he be before us on (the return).
1854 W. H. Rule Stud. from Hist. I. 39 The King commanded the Sheriff..to arrest the fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, nephews and nieces, of all those persons, and to put them and their chattels in safe pledge, until his pleasure should be known.
2003 R. Hayman Trees iii. 24 For the first two transgressions against the venison a safe pledge was to be taken, while the third offence was punishable by execution.
safe seat n. Politics a parliamentary seat which is likely to be easily retained by a political party at an election; cf. sense 12.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > rule or government > ruler or governor > deliberative, legislative, or administrative assembly > [noun] > seat in > likely to be retained
safe seat1841
1841 Times 25 Mar. 5/3 Its constituency, by the number of fraudulent votes it embraces, affords a safe seat for Irish law-officers under the present régime.
1891 W. Fraser Disraeli & his Day 491 A material element in the future of Constitutional Government is the non-existence of safe seats.
1939 W. I. Jennings Parliament ii. 27 The influence of a great landowner... May secure nomination by the local Conservative association and so enable the person nominated to acquire a safe seat.
2001 Independent 18 May 8/2 The former Conservative minister controversially ‘parachuted’ into the safe seat of St Helens South.
safe sex n. originally U.S. (a) a substitute for or alternative to sexual activity (in later use with conscious reference to sense (b)); (b) (also safer sex) sexual activity in which the risk of unplanned pregnancy or (in later use esp.) of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (esp. HIV) is minimized, typically by using a barrier method of contraception or by avoiding penetrative sex.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sexual relations > sexual activity > other types of sexual activity or intercourse > [noun] > other specific
vera copula1850
knee-trembler1896
gang-banging1949
gang-bang1950
gang-up1951
wham, bam, thank you ma'am1956
tribadism1962
bareback1963
Princeton1965
safe sex1968
onion1969
dry fuck1971
dry hump1972
barebacking1991
scissoring2003
1968 H. Sebald Adolescence ix. 225 Analytical observers concluded that this type of dancing was ‘safe sex’ for the teen-agers.
1973 Family Planning Perspectives 5 6 The great majority of satisfied customers are romanticists who link vasectomy to positive feelings about the certainty of ‘safe sex’.
1983 Gay Vote (Harvey Milk Gay Democratic Club, San Francisco) June In categorizing our advocacy of safer sex now as ‘anti-sex’, ‘panic-prone’,—even ‘anti-gay’—these critics have gone too far.
1990 Health Educ. Jrnl. 49 203/2 Purists would object to the phrase ‘safe sex’, as today we err on the side of caution and refer to it as ‘safer sex’.
1993 J. Green It: Sex since Sixties 1 Celibacy, the very epitome of ‘safe sex’.
1999 M. Silcott Rave Amer. vi. 167 One of the craziest ironies of the AIDS fundraising circuit has been that it is such an unconducive environment for the promotion of safe sex.
safe space n. a place or environment in which people, esp. those belonging to a marginalized group, can feel confident that they will not be exposed to discrimination, criticism, harassment, or any other emotional or physical harm.
ΚΠ
1974 Daily Independent-Jrnl. (San Rafael, Calif.) 26 Feb. 13/1 Miss Bernhardt believes she must make a safe place, a warm environment where there is trust, where people's identity is respected and where they will not have to perform or be judged... ‘Then it is safe to say something you have not said out loud to anyone... You have a safe space to try new things.’
1989 Sociol. of Educ. 62 73/1 The openness of the instructors will create a safe space for lesbian students..who decide to come out.
1999 Associated Press State & Local Wire (Nexis) 14 Feb. Many women..say abolishing sorority houses would take away safe spaces for women.
2019 M2 FinancialWire (Nexis) 17 June We need to change our whole attitude to mental health. We need to rally together to create safe spaces where we can talk about our issues.
safetray n. a tray installed under a plumbing fixture to catch splashed or spilled water; = safe n. 3. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > receptacle or container > [noun] > for fluid > to catch spilled water
safe1853
safetray1879
1879 Jrnl. Soc. Arts 22 Aug. 869/2 A bath should have a lead ‘safe’ tray placed under it, the waste-pipe of which must..end in the open air.
1912 G. Thomson Mod. Sanitary Engin. xvi. 142 When built-up baths were in use, safe trays were an indispensable part of the installation.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2011; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

safev.

Brit. /seɪf/, U.S. /seɪf/
Forms: 1600s saft (past participle), 1600s saf't (past tense), 1600s–1700s 1900s– safe.
Origin: Formed within English, by conversion. Etymon: safe adj.
Etymology: < safe adj.This word can be difficult to distinguish from save v. (compare forms at that entry).
1.
a. transitive. To secure, make safe. Plumbing: see safing n. 1.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > make safe or secure [verb (transitive)]
stablishc1384
assure1413
sure?a1425
secure1587
assecurea1600
trench1601
safe1602
insafe1628
retrench1705
1602 J. Marston Hist. Antonio & Mellida iv. sig. Hv Deare Lord, what means this rage, when lacking vse: Scarce safes your life, will you in armour rise?
?1611 G. Chapman tr. Homer Iliads v. 112 Thus he brau'd, and yet his violent shaft Strooke short with all his violence, Tydides life was saft.
?1611 G. Chapman tr. Homer Iliads vii. 285 At which we will erect Wals, and a raueling, that may safe, our fleet and vs protect.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Antony & Cleopatra (1623) i. iii. 55 My more particular, And that which most with you should safe my going, Is Fuluias death. View more context for this quotation
1757 tr. J. G. Keyssler Trav. IV. xcvi. 255 A Jew, lately condemned to be hanged, desired to be admitted as a convert to the Lutheran church, in order to safe his life.
1872 C. Heathcote in Papers Read Royal Instit. Brit. Architects 104 The flues must finish, or as it is termed be safed in, so that the top of the flue is just below the level of the least quantity of wort required to be boiled at one time.
1915 W. J. Keith Building of It (rev. ed.) 115 The tank should be safed with galvanized iron and the safe should be connected with the overflow pipe.
1969 Word Study Apr. 6/1 To avoid having any unused explosive going off in the faces of..the post-recovery team, the capsule must be disarmed or safed.
1993 T. Clancy Without Remorse (1994) xxviii. 519 When it was over the men safed their weapons.
2009 J. Norman Fire Dept. Special Operations xiii. 176/1 The primary reason for most trench collapses..[is that] the responsible party tried to save money by not safing the trench.
†b. transitive. To conduct safely out of. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > make safe or secure [verb (transitive)] > assure (a person) of safety > send or conduct in safety
safe-conduct1567
safeguard1595
safea1616
a1616 W. Shakespeare Antony & Cleopatra (1623) iv. vi. 26 Best you saf't the bringer Out of the hoast. View more context for this quotation
2. transitive. Mountaineering. To belay. Also with up. Cf. belay v. 5a.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > mountaineering or climbing > mountaineer or climb [verb (transitive)] > belay
safea1945
a1945 E. R. Eddison Mezentian Gate (1958) xxxviii. 202 I am sick..of for ever climbing mountains safed with a dozen ropes held by a dozen safe men.
1960 M. Redgrove in Pick of Today's Short Stories XI. 194 His mountain-sense stabbed a quick reproach and he dragged his attention back to safing Creade up.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2011; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
<
n.?a1425adj.int.c1300v.1602
随便看

　

英语词典包含1132095条英英释义在线翻译词条，基本涵盖了全部常用单词的英英翻译及用法，是英语学习的有利工具。

　

Copyright © 2004-2022 Newdu.com All Rights Reserved
更新时间：2025/2/1 17:00:01