\ ˈfāl-ˌsāf
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Definition of fail-safe
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: incorporating some feature for automatically counteracting the effect of an anticipated possible source of failure
2
: being or relating to a safeguard that prevents continuing on a bombing mission according to a preconceived plan
3
: having no chance of failure : infallibly problem-free
the little black dress … has consistently been the fail-safe solution for night — Vogue
fail-safe
nounDefinition of fail-safe (Entry 2 of 2)
: a device or measure that makes something fail-safe
Synonyms & Antonyms for fail-safe
Synonyms: Adjective
Synonyms: Noun
Antonyms: Adjective
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Last Updated
18 May 2021
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Cite this Entry
“Fail-safe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fail-safe. Accessed 15 Jun. 2021.
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More Definitions for fail-safe
fail-safe
adjective
English Language Learners Definition of fail-safe
: certain not to fail
See the full definition for fail-safe in the English Language Learners Dictionary
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Time Traveler for fail-safe
The first known use of fail-safe was in 1931
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