What does "fail-safe" mean?

A device, mechanism or measure designed to make something fail-safe.

Fail-safe

Common synonyms include: backup device, backup plan, bombproof, contingency plan, dependable, excellent.

/ˈfeɪlˌseɪf/ adj, noun, verb

adj, noun, verb ·Uncommon ·Advanced level

Noun

1
A device, mechanism or measure designed to make something fail-safe.
2
a mechanism capable of returning to a safe state in case there is a failure or malfunction wordnet

Verb

1
To compensate automatically, in the event of a failure.
2
To make a device or mechanism fail-safe, or to add a fail-safe device or mechanism to an existing system.

Adjective

1
That does not cause undue damage in the event of failure.
"The system is failsafe, because everything is backed up automatically."
2
Designed to shut off for safety if an emergency occurs.
"All equipment is, of course, of "fail-safe" pattern."

Adjective

1
eliminating danger by compensating automatically for a failure or malfunction wordnet
2
guaranteed not to fail wordnet

"The system is failsafe, because everything is backed up automatically."