safe conduct

A soldier presents his safe conduct at the checkpoint.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Permission to pass through a dangerous area: "safe conduct" refers to official permission granted by an authority (such as a government or military force) allowing a person to travel through a region where they might otherwise be at risk of harm, arrest, or attack.
   • A document granting such permission: "safe conduct" can also mean the physical document (such as a pass or letter) that serves as evidence of this permission.

Usage Examples

• Permission:

  • The journalist was granted safe conduct through the war zone. (He was given official permission to travel without being harmed.)
  • The rebels offered safe conduct to the negotiators. (The rebels promised not to attack or arrest the negotiators during their travel.)

• Document:

  • He carried a safe conduct signed by the general. (He had a written document that proved his permission to pass safely.)
  • Without a safe conduct, the spy could not enter the enemy camp. (He needed the physical document to prove his protected status.)

Advanced Usage

• "to grant safe conduct": to officially give permission for someone to pass safely.

  • The king granted safe conduct to the visiting ambassador. (The king allowed the ambassador to travel without interference.)

• "to guarantee safe conduct": to promise that someone will not be harmed while traveling.

  • The treaty guaranteed safe conduct for all diplomats. (The agreement ensured that diplomats could move freely without danger.)

Variants and Related Words

• Safe-conduct (n): an alternative spelling (often hyphenated) meaning the same as "safe conduct."

  • The safe-conduct was issued by the embassy. (The document was provided by the embassy.)

• Conduct (n): behavior or management; in this compound, it refers to the act of guiding or escorting.

  • His conduct during the crisis was admirable. (His behavior was good.)

Synonyms

• Pass: a document or permission to enter or travel.

  • The guard checked her pass before letting her through. (Her pass was like a safe conduct.)

• Clearance: official permission to proceed.

  • He received security clearance to enter the restricted area. (Clearance is similar to safe conduct for a specific purpose.)

Idioms and Fixed Expressions

• "safe conduct" (in diplomacy): a standard term used in negotiations and treaties.

  • The two sides agreed on safe conduct for prisoners of war. (They allowed prisoners to travel home safely.)

• "under safe conduct": traveling with official protection.

  • The spy traveled under safe conduct provided by the neutral country. (He was protected by a special arrangement.)