panic button
noun
an alarm button for use in an emergency, as to summon help.
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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
Words nearby panic button
panhypopituitarism, panic, panic attack, panic bar, panic bolt, panic button, panic buying, panic disorder, panic grass, panicle, panicmonger
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
British Dictionary definitions for 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
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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