Firewall

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈfaɪə.wɔəl/
• UK IPA: /ˈfaɪ.əˌwɔːl/
• US IPA: /ˈfaɪ(É™)rËŒwÉ”l/, /ˈfaɪ(É™)rËŒwÉ‘l/

Origin

From fire + wall

Noun

1. A fireproof barrier used to prevent the spread of fire between or through buildings, structures, electrical substation transformers, or within an aircraft or vehicle.
2. (computer security) The software that monitors traffic in and out of a private network or a personal computer and allows or blocks such traffic depending on its perceived threat.

Derived terms

• Great Firewall of China

Full definition of firewall

Verb

1. (transitive, computer security) To protect with a firewall.
2. (transitive, computer security) To block with a firewall.
3. (intransitive, motor vehicles or aircraft, slang) To use maximum acceleration.----