strongbox where valuables can be safely kept
"The bank manager handed him a heavy safe to store his gold bars securely overnight."
a ventilated or refrigerated cupboard for securing provisions from pests
"We stored our dry goods in the safe to keep them away from the mice that had taken over the pantry last night."
contraceptive device consisting of a sheath of thin rubber or latex that is worn over the penis during intercourse
"He decided to use a safe instead of relying on withdrawal for protection tonight."
A box, usually made of metal, in which valuables can be locked for safekeeping.
"After the bank robbery, the CEO rushed to hide the missing ledger inside the steel safe before calling the police."
In plain English: A safe is a strong metal box used to keep valuable things locked away and protected from theft.
"The safe in the corner holds our family's most important documents."
To make something safe.
"The security guard locked the back door to keep the building safe from intruders."
In plain English: To make something safe is to protect it from harm or danger.
"The children tried to safe themselves from the falling debris, but they were too slow."
free from danger or the risk of harm
"a safe trip"
"you will be safe here"
"a safe place"
"a safe bet"
(of an undertaking) secure from risk
"The team felt confident that their new investment strategy was safe enough to launch without worrying about potential losses."
having reached a base without being put out
"the runner was called safe when the baseman dropped the ball"
Not in danger; out of harm's reach.
"After checking that no cars were coming, she stepped off the curb to ensure her child was safe before crossing the street."
In plain English: Safe means not likely to get hurt or cause harm.
"It is safe to drive after dark if you have bright headlights."
Usage: Use safe to describe people or objects that are free from immediate physical danger, such as being locked away or hidden securely. Avoid confusing it with secure when referring specifically to the absence of risk rather than general stability or reliability.
The word "safe" entered Middle English from the Old French sauf, which itself came from the Latin salvus meaning "whole." This French term eventually pushed out the native Old English word sikor to become the standard way of expressing security in English.