fail-safe
/ˈfeɪl.seɪf/A mechanism or design feature that automatically prevents or mitigates failure in a system, especially to avoid catastrophic consequences.
The nuclear reactor has multiple fail-safe systems to ensure safety in case of an emergency.
The reactor is equipped with several safety mechanisms that activate automatically to prevent accidents.
The software includes a fail-safe to revert to a previous stable version if an update fails.
The software has a backup system that restores the previous working version if the update process encounters errors.
Common in engineering, aviation, and technology to describe safety-critical systems.
Collocations
Related Phrases
💡Pro Tip
Technical Context
Use 'fail-safe' when discussing engineering, aviation, or technology to describe safety mechanisms.
⚡Gold Rule
Avoid Overuse
Do not apply 'fail-safe' to non-technical situations, as it is a specialized term.
📖Word Origin
From the combination of 'fail' (to stop working) and 'safe' (secure), popularized in engineering and technology contexts.
📝Usage Notes
Primarily used in technical fields to describe systems designed to prevent catastrophic failure. Avoid using it for non-technical contexts.