panic button

noun
1.
an alarm button for use in an emergency, as to summon help.
2.
push/hit/press the panic button, Informal. to give way to panic in a distressing situation.

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

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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source Link To panic button
Collins
World English Dictionary
panic button
 
n
1.  a button or switch that operates any of various safety devices, for use in an emergency
2.  informal hit the panic button, press the panic button to react to a situation by demanding emergency action; become excited; panic

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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00:10
Panic button is always a great word to know.
So is bezoar. Does it mean:
a screen or mat covered with a dark material for shielding a camera lens from excess light or glare.
a calculus or concretion found in the stomach or intestines of certain animals, esp. ruminants, formerly reputed to be an effective remedy for poison.
Example sentences
The suspect took the bag and as he left the store he again ordered the cashier
  not push the panic button.
Install a panic button under the counter to quickly notify the police in case
  of a robbery.
As storms batter global finance, depositors' fingers are on the panic button.
Install a panic button in the office that is connected to a security service.
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