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firewall

FYR-wawl /ˈfaɪər.wɔːl/

nounverbB2TOEFLIELTS

professionaltechnical

A network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.

A firewall acts as a barrier between a trusted internal network and an untrusted external network (like the internet).

The story behind the word. Originally, a firewall was a physical, fireproof wall built inside buildings or steam locomotives to prevent a physical fire from spreading from one compartment to another. In the late 1980s, computer scientists adopted the term for software that blocks digital 'fires' (threats) from spreading.

Word relationships

security barrier: Security barrier is a general term for any physical or digital obstacle, while firewall is a specific technical term for network traffic filtering.

Commonly confused with

antivirus: Antivirus software scans and removes malicious files already on a computer, while a firewall prevents those threats from entering the network in the first place.

Word family

firewalled (adjective): Protected by a firewall.

Collocations

configure a firewall
network firewall
bypass a firewall

Example sentences

"The enterprise firewall successfully blocked the unauthorized attempt to access the internal database." An explanation of network security measures.

Memory hook

Imagine a literal wall of fire that burns up any bad data trying to sneak into your computer, while letting safe data pass through. A protective wall blocking digital threats.

When not to use

Do not use to describe local antivirus software installed on a single computer; a firewall specifically manages network traffic flow.

Fun facts

The first paper describing firewall technology was published in 1988 by engineers from Digital Equipment Corporation, who called it a 'packet filter' before the cooler 'firewall' name took over.