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.
Since then, the ballroom scene has grown, becoming more competitive, and even entering the mainstream — somewhat controversially, for those who cherished it as an insular safe space — in TV shows, music videos and more. Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 11 May 2026 Creating a safe space Dwayne Speaks, a mental health therapist who works with men dealing with trauma, relationships and stress, said many clients simply want a safe place to talk. Nicky Zizaza, CBS News, 11 May 2026 The duck, known as Violet to the school's students and staff, has been rearing her baby birds in the school's courtyard for over a decade, returning each year to the safe space to welcome a new brood. Joyann Jeffrey, PEOPLE, 8 May 2026 The idea of the home is becoming more and more important to people — the private space, the safe space. Elektra Kotsoni, Vogue, 8 May 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 16 May. 2026.

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