panic button

noun

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

panic button

noun

1. a button or switch that operates any of various safety devices, for use in an emergency

2. informal,  to react to a situation by demanding emergency action; become excited; panic

Word History and Origins

Origin of panic button¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

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