fail-safe meaning and definition

FAIL-SAFE noun

Definition of fail-safe (noun)

1. a mechanism capable of returning to a safe state in case there is a failure or malfunction

FAIL-SAFE adjective

Definition of fail-safe (adjective)

1. guaranteed not to fail
   • "a fail-safe recipe for cheese souffle"
2. eliminating danger by compensating automatically for a failure or malfunction
   • "a fail-safe device in a nuclear weapon to deactivate it automatically in the event of accident"