firewall

/ˈfaɪərˌwɔl/
noun
  1. A security system that prevents unauthorized access to a computer network.
    • The IT department updated the firewall to block suspicious traffic.
    • Make sure your firewall is turned on before connecting to public Wi-Fi.
    • The company installed a new firewall to protect its data from hackers.
  2. A wall or barrier made of fire-resistant material designed to stop the spread of fire.
    • The building code requires a firewall between the garage and the house.
    • The old warehouse had a thick brick firewall that saved the neighboring buildings.
    • Firefighters praised the firewall for preventing the blaze from spreading to the next apartment.
  3. A person or thing that acts as a barrier to protect against something harmful or unwanted.
    • He built a personal firewall by avoiding negative people.
    • Her calm attitude served as a firewall against the office gossip.
    • The new policy acts as a firewall to prevent conflicts of interest.
verb
  1. To protect a computer or network with a firewall.
    • We need to firewall the server before the launch.
    • You should firewall your home network to keep your devices safe.
    • The technician firewalled all the office computers last week.
What does "firewall" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean