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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Wayback Machine has assumed a default position as a safety valve against digital oblivion. Kate Knibbs, WIRED, 27 Sep. 2024 Cash is a kind of safety valve in investor portfolios, perhaps serving as an emergency fund or a reserve for near-term income needs in retirement. Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2024 Sable began work installing safety valves and making repairs. Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2024 Last November, Sable sued Santa Barbara County for denying its permits to install automatic safety valves, a critical requirement for operations to begin. Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for safety valve 

Word History

First Known Use

1744, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of safety valve was in 1744

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 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

safety valve

noun
1
: a valve that opens automatically (as when steam pressure becomes too great)
2

More from Merriam-Webster on safety valve

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!