panic button

noun

1. an alarm button for use in an emergency, as to summon help.

panic button

noun

1. a button or switch that operates any of various safety devices, for use in an emergency
2. hit the panic button or press the panic button informal.
   to react to a situation by demanding emergency action; become excited; panic

Word History and Origins

Origin of panic button¹

Allegedly first used in reference to emergency bell systems on World War II bombers such as the B-17 and B-24

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. push / hit / press the panic button, Informal. to give way to panic in a distressing situation.

Example Sentences

Carlos Perea, an immigrant rights advocate who supported the measure, said those groups “hit the panic button.”

From Los Angeles Times

But as I wrote when he was elected to his first term, you can’t hit all your panic buttons at the same time.

From Los Angeles Times

Polling places and locations where ballots are counted have beefed up security in advance of Tuesday’s election, deploying bomb- and firearm-sniffing dogs, metal detectors, panic buttons and even rooftop snipers to protect workers and voters.

From Los Angeles Times

And in other parts of the country, law enforcement is staging near polling stations and officials are installing panic buttons, among other measures to protect poll workers and ballots.

From Los Angeles Times

The most common measure being taken is collaborating with law enforcement, she said, but some polling places have installed panic buttons, bullet-resistant glass panels or electronic security measures.

From BBC