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.
Another parent shared how food became a safe space during a particularly difficult time. Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026 Attendees saw the event as a safe space to connect with others in the fandom, which has long been stigmatized. Jessica Ma, Dallas Morning News, 29 Mar. 2026 Jerusalem's smaller synagogues, mosques and churches are also open to groups of up to 50 people — if they are located close to a shelter or a safe space. ABC News, 29 Mar. 2026 But music got to be my safe space to explore those inner workings. Des Moines Register, 29 Mar. 2026 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 5 Apr. 2026.

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