firewall

Pluralfirewalls

Formsfirewalls, firewalling, firewalled

1. 1
   nouncountable

   A security program that checks data coming into and out of a computer and blocks anything unsafe.

   Like a guard at a gate who lets safe visitors in and turns away anyone dangerous.

   The firewall blocked the suspicious connection before it reached her laptop.

   Our school's firewall stops students from visiting dangerous websites.

   Note
2. 2
   nouncountable

   A wall built to stop fire from spreading from one part of a building to another.

   Like a stone wall that keeps a fire on one side from jumping to the other.

   The firewall between the two apartments kept the flames from spreading.

   Builders added a thick firewall to protect the garage from the house.

   Similarbulkhead

   Note
3. 3
   verbtransitive

   To protect a computer or network by using a firewall.

   Like putting a strong lock on your door to keep strangers out.

   The technician firewalled the office computers before connecting them to the internet.

   You should firewall your laptop to keep hackers out.

   Similarsecure, protect, shield

   Note
4. 4
   verbtransitive

   To stop certain data or connections from getting through by using a firewall.

   Like shutting a gate so certain people can't get through.

   The company firewalled the streaming sites so employees could not watch videos.

   We had to firewall that address after the repeated attacks.

   Similarblock, blacklist, filter

   Oppositeunblock, allow

   Note
5. 5
   verbslangintransitive

   To push an engine to full power so a vehicle speeds up as fast as it can.

   Like pedaling a bike as hard and fast as your legs can go.

   Drivers firewall out of the corner to gain speed on the straight.

   The pilot firewalled down the runway and lifted off.

   Similaraccelerate

   Oppositebrake, decelerate

   Note
6. 6
   nouncountable

   A possible wall of high-energy particles that anything falling into a black hole would hit at its edge.

   Like a wall of fire waiting right at the doorway of a black hole.

   If a firewall exists, an astronaut falling in would be destroyed at the edge.

   Some scientists think a firewall could surround every black hole.

   Note

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