firewall

American  

[fahyuhr-wawl] / ˈfaɪərˌwɔl /

Or fire wall

noun

1. a partition made of fireproof material to prevent the spread of a fire from one part of a building or ship to another or to isolate an engine compartment, as on a plane, automobile, etc.

2. a person, thing, or event that acts as a barrier or protection against something undesirable.

   The new employee handbook should create a firewall against unethical business conduct.

3. Digital Technology. an integrated collection of security measures designed to prevent unauthorized electronic access to a networked computer system.

---

firewall British  

noun

1. a fireproof wall or partition used to impede the progress of a fire, as from one room or compartment to another

2. computing a computer system that isolates another computer from the internet in order to prevent unauthorized access

---

firewall Scientific  

/ fîr′wôl′ /

1. A software program or hardware device that restricts communication between a private network or computer system and outside networks.

---

firewall Cultural  

1. A means of separating a computer network from outside networks for security purposes. A server outside an organization's own network may be used to funnel all incoming and outgoing traffic to assist in keeping out viruses, as well as to prevent unauthorized outsiders from gaining access to a network.

---

Etymology

Origin of firewall

An Americanism dating back to 1750–60

Example Sentences

Money and power appeared to act as a firewall protecting Najib through a scandal involving Malaysia's 2002 purchase of French submarines while he was defence minister, a deal brokered by a close associate.

From Barron's

“This leaves the economy vulnerable to shocks, because the labor market is the main firewall against a recession,” Sweet said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Auto insurance is supposed to be a financial firewall when things go wrong on the road.

From MarketWatch

One of the settlement’s most onerous requirements—at which investment banks have bristled for years—was the firewall that separates investment banking from research analysts.

From The Wall Street Journal

"However, in the time since that strategy was published, events have shown that we need to consider whether our firewall is enough," he added.

From BBC