panic button
Distress signal activator
A panic button is an emergency control that triggers an immediate response—an alarm, a call for help, or a system shutdown.
Security systems have literal panic buttons; the phrase extends to any drastic action taken under pressure.
To hit the panic button or push the panic button is to overreact to a crisis, real or perceived: Don't hit the panic button—we still have time to fix this.
Crisis response number
- SOSMorse distress code
- maydayRadio emergency signal
- crisisDecisive dangerous moment
- distressSevere anxiety or suffering
rescue · first responders · paramedics · ambulance · code red · evacuation · lifeline · triage
Wailing alert device
- triggerWhat initiates action
- activateCause to function
- alertWarning or watchfulness
- warningAlert about danger
buzzer · flashing · loud · intruder · breach · lockdown · alarm system · motion sensor
Guarding against harm
- precautionPreventive safety measure
- safeguardPrecaution against harm
- securityProtection from threat
- defenseProtection against harm
escape · refuge · shelter · backup · fail-safe · reassurance · peace of mind · vulnerability
Persistent apprehensive distress
- fearEmotional response to threat
- overwhelmDefeat by excess
- dreadIntense anticipatory fear
- franticWildly anxious or desperate
desperation · fight-or-flight · adrenaline · hyperventilation · trembling · palpitations · last resort · breaking point
911
Crisis response number
distress · rescue · first responders · paramedics · ambulance · code red · evacuation · lifeline · triage · contingency
siren
Wailing alert device
warning · buzzer · flashing · loud · intruder · breach · lockdown · alarm system · motion sensor · security
protection
Guarding against harm
- precautionPreventive safety measure
- safeguardPrecaution against harm
- securityProtection from threat
defense · escape · refuge · shelter · backup · fail-safe · reassurance · peace of mind · vulnerability · prevention
anxiety
Persistent apprehensive distress
frantic · desperation · fight-or-flight · adrenaline · hyperventilation · trembling · palpitations · last resort · breaking point · threshold
- vehicle securitycar alarm, steering wheel lock, immobilizer, wheel clamp, wheel lock
- buttonsfast forward, push to talk, remote control, volume control, buzzer
- controlsswitch, dial, knob, lever, slider
- desperate measureslast resort, desperate plea, desperation move, last ditch, last chance
- deterrentsguard dog, warning, security camera, penalty, padlock
- emergencies911, ambulance, emergency, emergency room, ER
panic buttonstand down
Withdraw from readiness
false alarm · business as usual · at ease · snooze button · reset button
panic buttoncalm down
Become less agitated
cool head · reassurance · steady hand · relaxation · calm demeanor
panic, button, buttons, panicky, panics, panicked, buttoned, panicking, unbuttoned