firewall

or fire wall

[ fahyuhr-wawl ]

noun

1. a partition made of fireproof material to prevent the spread of a fire from one part of a building or ship to another or to isolate an engine compartment, as on a plane, automobile, etc.
2. a person, thing, or event that acts as a barrier or protection against something undesirable:

   The new employee handbook should create a firewall against unethical business conduct.

3. Digital Technology. an integrated collection of security measures designed to prevent unauthorized electronic access to a networked computer system.

firewall

noun

1. a fireproof wall or partition used to impede the progress of a fire, as from one room or compartment to another
2. computing a computer system that isolates another computer from the internet in order to prevent unauthorized access

firewall

/ fîr′wôl′ /

1. A software program or hardware device that restricts communication between a private network or computer system and outside networks.

firewall

1. A means of separating a computer network from outside networks for security purposes. A server outside an organization's own network may be used to funnel all incoming and outgoing traffic to assist in keeping out viruses , as well as to prevent unauthorized outsiders from gaining access to a network.

Word History and Origins

Origin of firewall¹

An Americanism dating back to 1750–60

Example Sentences

The L.A. sanctuary city law, which was proposed in early 2023 — long before Trump’s election — aims to build a firewall between federal immigration enforcement and city agencies.

From Los Angeles Times

“Where is the firewall if he knows he can do anything, including taking an election?”

From Los Angeles Times

Scholz, meanwhile, called earlier this month on other parties to block the "right-wing extremist" AfD from office by maintaining a so-called firewall against it.

From BBC

The military has repeatedly talked about the dangers of "cyber terrorism", and the government recently said that it was creating an online firewall.

From BBC

While such an outcome would send shockwaves through Germany, it doesn’t mean the AfD will take power as other parties are likely to band together as part of an ongoing “firewall” against the far right.

From BBC