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safe
/seɪf/
protected from harm or danger
The child was kept in a safe place while the parents were away.
The child was kept in a protected place while the parents were away.
general
protected from harm, injury, or danger
The bank vault is designed to be safe from burglars.
The bank vault is designed to be protected from burglars.
She felt safe walking home with her friends.
She felt protected walking home with her friends.
Can refer to physical safety or a sense of security.
general
a container or place designed to protect something from damage or theft
He stored his valuables in a safe.
He stored his valuables in a secure container.
The fireproof safe kept important documents secure.
The fireproof container kept important documents secure.
Often used to refer to a strongbox or vault.
Collocations
safe and soundunharmed and in good conditionsafe beta choice that is likely to succeedsafe havena place of refuge or security
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Usage
'Safe' is often used to describe a state of being free from danger or harm, as well as a physical container designed to protect valuables.
Gold Rule
Adjective vs. Noun
As an adjective, 'safe' describes a state of being protected. As a noun, it refers to a physical container or place designed to protect something from damage or theft.
Word Origin
From Old English 'sæf', meaning 'secure' or 'protected', related to Old Norse 'sǽfr' and Old High German 'sēf'.
Usage Notes
As an adjective, 'safe' describes a state of being protected. As a noun, it refers to a container designed to protect valuables.
Word Breakdown
safe
protected or secure
rootEnglish Dictionary