fail-safe
[ feyl-seyf ]
/ ˈfeɪlˌseɪf /
adjective
noun
(sometimes initial capital letter)
the point beyond which the bombers cannot go without specific instruction; the fail-safe point.
something designed to work or function automatically to prevent breakdown of a mechanism, system, or the like.
verb (used with object), fail-safed, fail-saf·ing.
to make fail-safe.
Origin of fail-safe
First recorded in 1945–50; apparently from verb phrase
to fail safe(ly)
Words nearby fail-safe
Example sentences from the Web for fail-safe
So as we lurch toward the next “fail-safe” milestone, there must be a way out for both sides.
For example, at Three Mile Island, a fail-safe feature actually made the meltdown worse.
The Most Dangerous Substance in America May Be Fertilizer |Megan McArdle |April 19, 2013 |DAILY BEASTMy Social Chef recommends the perfect, fail-safe roast chicken recipe.
Internally, the communications beam to Thule Base had been interrupted; and the fail-safe had not failed-safely.
Where I Wasn't Going |Walt Richmond
British Dictionary definitions for fail-safe
fail-safe
adjective
designed to return to a safe condition in the event of a failure or malfunction
(of a nuclear weapon) capable of being deactivated in the event of a failure or accident
unlikely to fail; foolproof
verb
(intr)
to return to a safe condition in the event of a failure or malfunction