Definition

1. Noun:
   • A safety belt used in a car or plane to hold you in your seat in case of an accident: A "seat belt" is a strap or set of straps designed to secure a person in a vehicle seat to prevent or reduce injury during a sudden stop or collision.

Usage

• The primary function of a seat belt is to restrain the occupant, preventing them from being thrown forward or out of the vehicle in a crash.
• It is a critical piece of safety equipment in all modern automobiles and aircraft.
• Usage typically involves fastening or buckling the belt across the lap and/or shoulder.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Please fasten your seat belt before the plane takes off.
  • The law requires all passengers to wear a seat belt.
  • The car's warning chime reminds you to put on your seat belt.

Advanced Usage

• "to buckle/click one's seat belt": to fasten the seat belt, often until an audible click is heard.
  • He buckled his seat belt and started the engine.
• "to wear a seat belt": to have the seat belt properly fastened while in a moving vehicle.
  • It is important to wear a seat belt at all times when the car is in motion.

Variants and Related Words

• Safety belt (n): A synonym for "seat belt," emphasizing its protective function.
  • The safety belt saved her life in the accident.
• Seatbelt (n): An alternative, often single-word spelling.
  • The seatbelt light is now off.
• Lap belt (n): A type of seat belt that goes only across the lap.
  • The middle rear seat only has a lap belt.
• Three-point belt (n): A common seat belt design that includes both a lap and a shoulder strap.
  • Modern cars are equipped with three-point belts for all front seats.

Synonyms

• Safety harness: A more general term for a system of straps that secures a person, often used in contexts like child car seats or certain work/aviation situations.
• Restraint system: A broader technical term that can include seat belts along with other features like airbags.

Related Phrases

• Seat belt law (n): Legislation mandating the use of seat belts.
  • The seat belt law has significantly reduced traffic fatalities.
• Seat belt extender (n): An accessory to lengthen a seat belt for a more comfortable fit.
  • He requested a seat belt extender on the flight.
• Seat belt reminder (n): A visual or audible signal in a vehicle prompting occupants to fasten their belts.
  • The seat belt reminder kept beeping until she buckled up.

Idioms

(Note: "Seat belt" itself is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions. Its usage is almost exclusively literal, pertaining to vehicle safety.)

Noun

1. a safety belt used in a car or plane to hold you in your seat in case of an accident