firewall

[fahyuh r-wawl] /ˈfaɪərˌwɔl/
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.
Also, fire wall.
Origin
1750-60, Americanism
Examples from the web for firewalls
  • Automotive firewalls have to be fitted so that they form a complete seal.
British Dictionary definitions for firewalls

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
Word Origin and History for firewalls

firewall

n.

1851 as a physical wall meant to prevent the spread of fire in a structure, from fire (n.) + wall (n.). Computer sense is by 1990.

firewalls in Science
firewall
  (fîr'wôl')   
A software program designed to protect a network by preventing unauthorized users from gaining access or by monitoring transfers of information to and from the network.
firewalls in Culture

firewall definition


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.

Slang definitions & phrases for firewalls

firewall

noun
  1. Computer hardware or software that protects internal networks from outside intrusion: Fire-walls, in recent years, have become the bulwark against computer break-ins (1990s+ Computer)
  2. A strong safeguard between one operation or area and another: Impenetrable firewalls between federally insured banking activities and their nonbanking commercial activities would prevent stock manipulation (1990s+)

[fr a firewall built to contain a fire in a building, a meaning found by 1851, and a barricade between an engine and a passenger compartment, found by 1947]