timebomb
Disaster awaiting detonation
A timebomb is an explosive device set to detonate at a predetermined time.
Figuratively, any situation likely to become dangerous or disastrous if left unaddressed: The pension shortfall is a timebomb waiting to explode.
In computing, a timebomb is code designed to trigger at a specific date—whether malicious or a trial software expiration.
Also spelled time bomb.
Explosive ignition event
- fuseProtective melting wire
- wiresMetallic electrical conductors
- blastSudden forceful burst
- triggerWhat initiates action
defuse · ticking · mechanism · arming · countdown · explosive · ignition · clock
Stretched or strained state
- thrillerSuspense-driven narrative genre
- climaxPoint of greatest intensity
- countdownBackward enumeration to zero
- tickingRhythmic mechanical sound
nail-biting · cliffhanger · edge-of-seat · heart-pounding · dramatic · eleventh hour · action · stakes
Time limit for completion
- countdownBackward enumeration to zero
- criticalExpressing disapproval or importance
- emergencySerious sudden danger
- pressingRequiring immediate attention
race · accelerate · eleventh hour · crunch · expiration · running out · imminent · do-or-die
Decisive dangerous moment
- brewingBeverage preparation process
- loomingAppearing threateningly close
- inevitableCertain to occur
- collapseSudden structural failure
meltdown · powder keg · impending · eruption · unraveling · ticking clock · festering · breaking point
detonation
Explosive ignition event
trigger · defuse · ticking · mechanism · arming · countdown · explosive · ignition · clock · plunger
tension
Stretched or strained state
- thrillerSuspense-driven narrative genre
- climaxPoint of greatest intensity
- countdownBackward enumeration to zero
ticking · nail-biting · cliffhanger · edge-of-seat · heart-pounding · dramatic · eleventh hour · action · stakes · showdown
deadline
Time limit for completion
- countdownBackward enumeration to zero
- criticalExpressing disapproval or importance
- emergencySerious sudden danger
pressing · race · accelerate · eleventh hour · crunch · expiration · running out · imminent · do-or-die
crisis
Decisive dangerous moment
- brewingBeverage preparation process
- loomingAppearing threateningly close
- inevitableCertain to occur
collapse · meltdown · powder keg · impending · eruption · unraveling · ticking clock · festering · breaking point · unsustainable
hazard
Source of potential harm
menace · peril · risk · minefield · IED · boobytrap · incendiary · sabotage · terrorist · catastrophic
timebombstable
Secure and unchanging
rock-solid · secure · steady · reliable · dependable