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

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