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 push 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 push 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)
Also, press the panic button. Overreact to a situation, as in Don't worry; Jane is always pushing the panic button, but I'm sure the baby's fine. This term originated during World War II, when certain bombers had a bell-warning system so that the crew could bail out if the plane was severely hit. Occasionally a pilot would push the button in error, when there was only minor damage, causing the crew to bail out unnecessarily. By 1950 the expression had been transferred to other kinds of overreaction.