Dictionary

safety-valve en · VERB · etymology 1

Pronunciation

• /ˈseɪftiˌvælv/ (General-American)
• /ˈseɪftɪˌvælv/ (Received-Pronunciation)

Etymology

From safety valve (noun).

Meanings

1. (transitive) Sometimes followed by off: ▸ To use a relief valve on (a container holding a gas or vapour) to relieve excessive pressure which has built up inside.
2. (transitive) Sometimes followed by off: ▸ To install a relief valve on (such a container) for that purpose.
3. (figuratively, transitive) Sometimes followed by off: ▸ To use some mechanism to relieve (physical or emotional pressure or tension).

Forms

Translations (3)

fi purkautua (to use some mechanism to relieve (physical or emotional pressure or tension)) · fi päästää painetta (to use some mechanism to relieve pressure) · fi asentaa varoventtiili (to install a relief valve on (such a container) for that purpose)

safety-valve en · NOUN · etymology 2

Pronunciation

• /ˈseɪftiˌvælv/ (General-American)
• /ˈseɪftɪˌvælv/ (Received-Pronunciation)

Etymology

See safety valve.

Meanings

1. (alt-of, alternative, transitive) Alternative form of safety valve.
   alt of safety valve
   • […] I have often thought that it was a great error in our legislature when they consented to put down the public lotteries in England. I am convinced that they were beneficial, acting as safety-valves to the gambling spirit of the nation, and that their prohibition has been productive of much crime and misery. 1840, F[rederick] M[arryat], “Diary on the Continent. Chapter XIX.”, in Olla Podrida. […], volume I, London: Longman, Orme, Brown, Green, & Longmans, […], →OCLC, pages 205–206:

Forms