panic button

noun

: something setting off a precipitous emergency response
there was no pushing of panic buttons at the White House, no rushing of troopsJ. C. Harsch

Examples of panic button in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some election offices — including those in the seven swing states likely to decide the election — have installed bulletproof glass, panic buttons or video surveillance in their headquarters to protect staff amid concerns of violence. Russell Contreras, Axios, 4 Nov. 2024 Some election officials across the country have installed panic buttons at election offices to alert law enforcement and even bullet-resistant glass to protect poll workers. Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024 Recent results might cause Manchester City to hit the panic button, but such a move would go completely against the club’s strategy during Pep Guardiola’s time as head coach. Steve Price, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024 The Sabres need to be careful about pressing the panic button and making a desperate trade. Matthew Fairburn, The Athletic, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for panic button 

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of panic button was in 1900

Dictionary Entries Near panic button

Cite this Entry

“Panic button.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/panic%20button. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!