killswitch
Instant shutdown control
A killswitch is a mechanism designed to shut something down quickly in an emergency.
The term originated with physical switches that cut power to machinery, but now applies broadly to any fail-safe that can instantly disable a system: The robot has a killswitch in case it malfunctions.
Software killswitches can remotely deactivate devices or programs.
Figuratively, anything that abruptly ends an activity: Her veto was a killswitch on the whole project.
Also spelled kill switch.
Two-position switch
- buttonDisc through a hole
- leverPivoting bar for lifting
- circuitClosed electrical pathway
- breakerWave that collapses shoreward
actuator · trigger · relay · cutoff · interrupter · disconnect · trip · isolator
Radio emergency signal
- SOSMorse distress code
- distressSevere anxiety or suffering
- alarmUrgent warning signal
- abortEnd before completion
eject · bail-out · fail-safe · safeguard · override · backup · contingency · escape
Turn off or neutralize
- disableRemove functional capacity
- haltComplete sudden stop
- terminateBring to an end
- ceaseTo discontinue activity
disconnect · stop · suspend · interrupt · cut-off · disengage · immobilize · neutralize
Designed to deter stealing
- immobilizerDevice preventing movement
- repoSeized collateral, informally
Digital content restriction technology
- licensingGranting official permission
- activationSetting into operation
- subscriptionPaid recurring access
- time-bombTimer-activated destructive device
brick · deauthorize · revoke · expiration
Employer-imposed work stoppage
- firewallNetwork access control system
- antivirusMalware detection program
- encryptionConverting data into code
- authenticationConfirming genuine identity
authorization · two-factor · biometric · tamper-proof · anti-theft · geofence · bricking
toggle
Two-position switch
breaker · actuator · trigger · relay · cutoff · interrupter · disconnect · trip · isolator · contactor
mayday
Radio emergency signal
abort · eject · bail-out · fail-safe · safeguard · override · backup · contingency · escape · lifeboat
deactivate
Turn off or neutralize
cease · disconnect · stop · suspend · interrupt · cut-off · disengage · immobilize · neutralize · silence
anti-theft
Designed to deter stealing
- immobilizerDevice preventing movement
- repoSeized collateral, informally
DRM
Digital content restriction technology
- licensingGranting official permission
- activationSetting into operation
- subscriptionPaid recurring access
time-bomb · brick · deauthorize · revoke · expiration
lockout
Employer-imposed work stoppage
- firewallNetwork access control system
- antivirusMalware detection program
- encryptionConverting data into code
authentication · authorization · two-factor · biometric · tamper-proof · anti-theft · geofence · bricking
- switchespush button, toggle, microswitch, emergency stop, disconnect
- blockersblocker, ad blocker, barrier, popup blocker, beta blocker
- Cyber Warfarecyber warfare, cyber attack, cyberattack, electronic warfare, information warfare
- instrument partsneck, body, strings, guitar body, piano keys
- Superweaponsnuclear bomb, atomic bomb, hydrogen bomb, neutron bomb, thermonuclear bomb
killswitchignition switch
Engine activation control
starter · power button · trigger · initiator · ignition
killswitchdimmer
Light intensity regulator
dimmer switch · rheostat · throttle · volume knob · fader
killswitchdead man's switch
Device activated by release
failsafe · life support · sustainer · keep-alive · backup system
kill, switch, kills, killed, killing, killer, killers, overkill, switches