panic button

noun

: something setting off a precipitous emergency response
There was no pushing of panic buttons at the White House, no rushing of troops.—J. C. Harsch

Examples of panic button in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
No need to hit the panic button just yet, though. — Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 21 Mar. 2026 Hardly enough to push the panic button over. — Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 14 June 2026 Servín activates his panic button that many searchers carry. — ABC News, 14 Apr. 2026 Clements has taken steps to heighten security, with plans to transition to card access for all buildings, installing more security cameras and expanding the presence of phones and panic buttons. — Katie Mulvaney, The Providence Journal, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for panic button

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of panic button was in 1900

Rhymes for panic button

See All Rhymes for panic button

Browse Nearby Words

panic attack
panic button
panic disorder
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Panic button.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/panic%20button. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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