fail-safe program

noun

UK /ˈfeɪl seɪf ˈprəʊɡræm/

US /ˈfeɪl seɪf ˈproʊɡræm/

A fail-safe program is a set of instructions that keeps things safe even if something goes wrong.

The robot has a fail-safe program that makes it stop if it bumps into something.

SYNONYMS

backup plan safety program safety net contingency program

RELATED WORDS

safety backup protection emergency reliability

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A computer program designed to shut down safely or switch to a safe state when an error occurs.

When the sensor failed, the fail-safe program shut down the machine before any damage happened.

3. A plan or procedure that prevents harm if a main system breaks down.

The factory's fail-safe program automatically stops the assembly line when a worker gets too close.

4. A feature in software that keeps data safe by reverting to a previous working version after a crash.

Thanks to its fail-safe program, the app restored the last saved file after the power cut.