fail-safe
/ˈfeɪlˌseɪf/ · fail·safe
adjective
- designed to prevent or minimize harm in the event of a failure The fail-safe mechanism in the nuclear power plant prevented a catastrophic meltdown.
noun
- a device or system designed to prevent or minimize harm in the event of a failure The fail-safe on the elevator ensured that it would stop safely in case of a malfunction.
Did you know? The concept of fail-safe design has been widely adopted in various fields, including engineering, aerospace, and healthcare, to ensure the safety and reliability of complex systems. The term has also been used more broadly to describe any system or process designed to prevent or mitigate the effects of failure.