Definitions

panic button

NOUN

alarm button

Synonyms

WEAK

911 buzzer emergency signal nurse's signal

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This week’s software-stock selloff feels like the latest reason to reach for the career panic button, unless you happen to be an artificial-intelligence developer.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 5, 2026

No one is pushing a panic button just yet, though.

From Barron's • Jan. 8, 2026

Now Anthropic has provided one bot with a panic button just in case.

From Slate • Aug. 20, 2025

Four losses in 19 matches - in a season which has included a title win in Rotterdam - does not suggest the panic button should be pressed yet.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2025

We pass vacant storefronts and small parking lots, and I’m pressing the panic button on the keys, but with no luck.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman