fail-safe
Say it: FAYL-sayf /ˈfeɪlseɪf/ · adjective
What “fail-safe” means
Automatically becoming safe when something goes wrong.
More precisely: Designed to return to a safe state automatically if something goes wrong.
Example: “The lift's fail-safe brakes clamp on automatically if the cable snaps.”
When to use it
In engineering or safety discussion, for designs that automatically move into a safe state when they fail.
Memory trick
Split the word: if it fails, it becomes safe.
Similar words
foolproof, safeguarded, protected
Quick check
A workshop machine loses power and its spring-loaded guard automatically covers the blade. How would you describe that design?
fail-safe or fail-proof?
Show the answer
fail-safe
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