Meaning & use
safeword
Last updated
Meanings
nouncountable
A word agreed in advance that anyone can say to make an activity stop immediately.
Grammar: Preceded by an or the: choose a safeword.
Patterns
- use a safeword
- say the safeword
They agreed on a safeword before the session began.
If you say the safeword, everyone must stop at once.
Therapists sometimes suggest a safeword for tense discussions.
nouncountable
A secret code word used to signal danger or to confirm that a message or person can be trusted.
Grammar: Often used in families or security: a family safeword.
Patterns
- a family safeword
Our family has a safeword in case a stranger offers a ride.
The agent gave the safeword to prove his identity.
Word forms
| plural | safewords |
|---|
Common combinations
- choose a safeword
- Let us choose a safeword before we start.
- agree on a safeword
- They agreed on a safeword in advance.
- use the safeword
- Use the safeword if you feel unsafe.
- say the safeword
- She had to say the safeword twice.
Synonyms and how they differ
- code word
- A code word is any secret word, while a safeword specifically means stopping or signalling danger.
- password
- A password gives access to something, while a safeword halts or warns.
Word family
Commonly confused: safeword or password?
safeword vs password
A password unlocks a device or account, while a safeword stops an activity or signals danger.
Practice
What is the main purpose of a safeword?
Choose one answer.
A safeword is agreed in advance as a stop signal. A password unlocks accounts, which is a tempting but different use.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “safeword”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.