Dictionary

1fail–safe

adjective \ˈfāl-ˌsāf\

: certain not to fail

Full Definition of FAIL-SAFE

1
:  incorporating some feature for automatically counteracting the effect of an anticipated possible source of failure
2
:  being or relating to a safeguard that prevents continuing on a bombing mission according to a preconceived plan
3
:  having no chance of failure :  infallibly problem-free <the little black dress … has consistently been the fail–safe solution for night — Vogue>
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First Known Use of FAIL-SAFE

1946

2fail–safe

noun

Definition of FAIL-SAFE

:  a device or measure that makes something fail-safe

First Known Use of FAIL-SAFE

1975

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