safety valve
Definition of safety valve
1 : an automatic escape or relief valve (as for a steam boiler)
2 : an outlet for pent-up energy or emotion
3 : something that relieves the pressure of overcrowding
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Examples of safety valve in a Sentence
His hobbies act as a safety valve, relieving some of the pressure he feels from his job.
First Known Use of safety valve
1744
SAFETY VALVE Defined for English Language Learners
safety valve
Definition of safety valve for English Language Learners
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: a part in a machine that opens automatically to release steam, water, gas, etc., when pressure becomes too great
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: something that allows someone to release mental stress and tension in a harmless way
Learn More about safety valve
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See words that rhyme with safety valve Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about safety valve
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