safety valve
noun
plural safety valves
1
: a valve (as for a steam boiler) that allows gas or liquid under excessive pressure to escape in a controlled manner
2
: an outlet for pent-up energy or emotion
3
: something that relieves the pressure of overcrowding
Examples of safety valve in a Sentence
His hobbies act as a safety valve, relieving some of the pressure he feels from his job.
Recent Examples on the Web
Pressure in the tank continued to build until its safety valve broke.
—
Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Dec. 2024
But Syria, for the Russian government, was less a source of threats than a safety valve that drew Islamist resources and personnel away from the North Caucasus insurgency, which by the 2010s had calmed down considerably.
—Michael Cecire, Foreign Affairs, 7 Feb. 2017
And here's another bit of a safety valve for those worried about planting bulbs too early.
—Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 15 Nov. 2024
The safest bets are running backs Brian Robinson and Austin Ekeler combining for at least 90 receptions as safety valves and weapons for rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.
—Dan Pompei, The Athletic, 26 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for safety valve 
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Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Dec. 2024
But Syria, for the Russian government, was less a source of threats than a safety valve that drew Islamist resources and personnel away from the North Caucasus insurgency, which by the 2010s had calmed down considerably.
—Michael Cecire, Foreign Affairs, 7 Feb. 2017
And here's another bit of a safety valve for those worried about planting bulbs too early.
—Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 15 Nov. 2024
The safest bets are running backs Brian Robinson and Austin Ekeler combining for at least 90 receptions as safety valves and weapons for rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.
—Dan Pompei, The Athletic, 26 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for safety valve
Dictionary Entries Near safety valve
Cite this Entry
“Safety valve.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/safety%20valve. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
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