TOP

Definition of safety valve noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

safety valve

noun
 
/ˈseɪfti vælv/
 
/ˈseɪfti vælv/
jump to other results
  1. a device that lets out steam or pressure in a machine when it becomes too greatTopics Engineeringc2
  2. a way of letting out feelings of anger, excitement, etc. without causing harm
    • Exercise is a good safety valve for the tension that builds up at work.
See safety valve in the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary
Check pronunciation: safety valve

Nearby words

trait
noun
 
 
From the Word list
Oxford 5000
B2
Oxford Learner's Dictionaries Word of the Day