firewall

Word parts

fire + wall

Pronunciation

• IPA ^(key): /faɪə.wɔəɫ/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Noun

Singular firewall

Plural firewalls

1. Computer software that can be installed or downloaded to protect the person's computer from viruses, spyware, malware, and other kinds of unwanted junk

Verb

Plain form firewall

Third-person singular firewalls

Past tense firewalled

Past participle firewalled

Present participle firewalling

1. (transitive & intransitive) When you firewall, you set up software to protect your electronic item from viruses.
2. (transitive) If you firewall someone, you maintain social distance from a manipulative person to avoid manipulative or narcissistic abuse.

   She firewalled her narcissistic stepmother.