■ adjective
1》 protected from or not exposed to danger or risk; not likely to be harmed or lost.
↘not causing or leading to harm or injury.
↘(of a place) affording security or protection.
2》 often derogatory cautious and unenterprising.
3》 (of an assertion, verdict, etc.) based on good reasons or evidence and not likely to be proved wrong.
4》 uninjured; with no harm done.
5》 informal excellent.
■ noun
1》 a strong fireproof cabinet with a complex lock, used for the storage of valuables.
2》 N. Amer. informal a condom.
Phrases
to be on the ~ side in order to have a margin of security against risks.
Derivatives
~ly adverb
~ness noun
Origin
ME: from OFr. sauf , from L. salvus 'uninjured'.