safety catch
1
4.1
- noun
- /ˈseɪfti kæʧ/
:
seguro
- The instructor emphasized the importance of using the safety catch to avoid unintentional discharges.
Examples
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You've got to take the safety catch off.
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That's the safety catch.
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Just remember to release the safety catch before you jump, okay?
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One thing... the safety catch... is it on or off?
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- The safety catch is still on.
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You could have them in your sights with the safety catch off.
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I'm just checking your safety catch is engaged.
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Oh, it also has this safety catch here, which it won't fire unless the safety catch is pulled.
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25 caliber with the safety catch on?
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He asks the officer if it's okay to release the safety catch.
Blog text (34)
Synonyms
402
1.3
A device that stops a machine or tool from working by mistake to prevent injury
4
3.2
A piece of equipment that protects people from injury, like an airbag or seatbelt
2
3.5
A device on a gun that stops it from firing by accident
How Safe
2
3.5
1
4.1
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'a device that prevents accidental firing' is directly and transparently built from 'safety' (a protective mechanism) and 'catch' (a fastening/locking mechanism). This straightforward noun–noun composition follows common English compounding patterns and is cross-linguistically recognizable, so a B1 learner who knows both words should be able to infer the MWE meaning.
Etymology
Safety catch comes from the words safety and catch: the catch is a small lever that holds a gun's moving parts so the gun is safe. That's why safety catch means a device that stops a gun from firing 'by accident'.