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| Date: | 1200-1300 |
| Language: | Old French |
| Origin: | sauf, from Latin salvus 'safe, healthy' |
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safe1 S2 W2
comparative safer, superlative safest
comparative safer, superlative safest1 not likely to cause any physical injury or harm [≠ dangerous]: 
Don't go near the edge - it isn't safe.Flying is one of the safest forms of travel. a safe working environment
not causing harm
Don't go near the edge - it isn't safe.Flying is one of the safest forms of travel.a safe working environment2 not in danger of being lost, harmed, or stolen [≠ unsafe; ↪ safety]:
not in danger
[not before noun] safe and sound/well (=unharmed, especially after being in danger) The missing children were found safe and sound.
The missing children were found safe and sound.4 a journey etc when someone or something is not harmed or lost : His family celebrated his safe return home.
safe journey/arrival/return etc
His family celebrated his safe return home. safe journey British English (=said to someone when they start a long journey) Dad rang to wish me a safe journey.
Dad rang to wish me a safe journey.5 not involving any risk and very likely to be successful : a safe investment a safe method of contraception
no risk
a safe investmenta safe method of contraception6 a safe subject of conversation is not likely to upset anyone or make people argue : I kept to safe subjects, like the weather.
subject
I kept to safe subjects, like the weather.7 to do something in order to be certain to avoid an unpleasant situation : I'd take an umbrella, just to be on the safe side.
to be on the safe side
spokenI'd take an umbrella, just to be on the safe side.8 to be with someone who will look after you very well : Everyone wants to feel that their children are in safe hands.
be in safe hands
Everyone wants to feel that their children are in safe hands.9 used to say that it is better to be careful, even if this takes time, effort etc, than take a risk that may have a bad result : Set the alarm clock - better safe than sorry!
better (to be) safe than sorry
spokenSet the alarm clock - better safe than sorry!10 completely certain that something is true or will happen : She went out, safe in the knowledge that no one else was awake.
safe in the knowledge that...
She went out, safe in the knowledge that no one else was awake.12 used by young people to show approval of something : 'Alex is having a party.' 'Oh, safe!'
safe!
British English spoken informal'Alex is having a party.' 'Oh, safe!'13 used to say that something is good and that there is no problem : 'How's your new boss?' 'She's safe.'
no problem
British English spoken informal'How's your new boss?' 'She's safe.'