safe space

noun

: a place (as on a college campus) intended to be free of bias, conflict, criticism, or potentially threatening actions, ideas, or conversations
… student volunteers put up posters advertising that a "safe space" would be available for anyone who found the debate too upsetting.Judith Shulevitz
Women, sexual assault victims, people of color, transgender students. College campuses have created "safe spaces" for all sorts of marginalized groups.Catherine Rampell

Examples of safe space in a Sentence

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.
In addition to providing a safe space for peaceful solitary moments, The Rest Spot services also extend to opportunities for social rest. Janeé Bolden, Essence, 16 May 2025 The outlet reported on Saturday that the company — which the pair founded in December 2021 to give people a safe space online to talk about their mental health struggles — ran out of funds to pay its roughly 15 employees, freelancers and other vendors. Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 11 May 2025 Under the Leo moon, a loved one acts as a safe space for emotional sentiments. Usa Today, USA Today, 3 May 2025 Their apartment became a safe space, where they not only got engaged but also tied the knot. Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 4 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for safe space

Word History

First Known Use

1970, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of safe space was in 1970

Cite this Entry

“Safe space.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/safe%20space. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

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!