an alarm button for use in an emergency, as to summon help.
Idioms
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
British Dictionary definitions for hit the panic button
panic button
noun
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
Slang definitions & phrases for hit the panic button
hit the panic button
verb phrase
To give way to alarm and terror; declare a general emergency: He hit the panic button when he saw the month's figures/ a move characterized by many as pushing the panic button(1950s+ Air Force)