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

Founded by Spencer Isen, the center hopes to create a safe space for women who've just given birth to relax, rest and learn more about caring for their little one. —Hannah Sacks, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025

And so many are finding that safe space within the community that Brown has built. —Pauleanna Reid, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025

Dice is excited to provide a safe space for artists and promoters to host events without the inherent exclusivity of a DIY space, where venue addresses often are left off of flyers as a protective measure. —Steven Donofrio, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2025

These groups provide a safe space to share experiences, ask questions, and connect with others. —Robert Burakoff, Health, 4 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1970, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for safe space

• aerospace
• anatase
• anyplace
• commonplace
• cyberspace
• database
• diabase
• diastase
• dnase
• elastase
• fireplace
• hyperspace