panic button


noun

an alarm button for use in an emergency, as to summon help.

Idioms for panic button

    push/hit/press the panic button, Informal. to give way to panic in a distressing situation.

Origin of panic button

allegedly first used in reference to emergency bell systems on World War II bombers such as the B-17 and B-24

British Dictionary definitions for hit the panic button

panic button

noun

a button or switch that operates any of various safety devices, for use in an emergency
hit the panic button or press the panic button informal to react to a situation by demanding emergency action; become excited; panic