B2 noun Neutral

firewall

/ˈfaɪəwɔːl/

A firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. It acts as a protective barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks, such as the internet.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I had to disable my firewall temporarily to install the new software update.

I had to turn off my security barrier for a short time to download the update.

2

The corporation utilizes a sophisticated firewall to prevent unauthorized access to its proprietary database.

The company uses an advanced security system to stop hackers from seeing its private data.

3

My firewall keeps popping up with warnings every time I visit that site.

My security program shows many alerts when I go to that website.

Word Family

Noun
firewall
Verb
firewall
Related
firewalling
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Memory Tip

Think of a literal 'wall of fire' from old movies—only the people with the right key can pass through the flames without getting burned.

Quick Quiz

The IT department needs to ______ the firewall to allow the new communication tool to work correctly.

Correct!

The correct answer is: configure

Examples

1

I had to disable my firewall temporarily to install the new software update.

everyday

I had to turn off my security barrier for a short time to download the update.

2

The corporation utilizes a sophisticated firewall to prevent unauthorized access to its proprietary database.

formal

The company uses an advanced security system to stop hackers from seeing its private data.

3

My firewall keeps popping up with warnings every time I visit that site.

informal

My security program shows many alerts when I go to that website.

4

Academic institutions must balance open access to information with the implementation of robust firewalls to protect student records.

academic

Schools need to provide information while using strong security to keep student files safe.

5

To comply with data protection regulations, the company must upgrade its existing firewall infrastructure.

business

The business needs better security hardware to follow the laws about protecting data.

Word Family

Noun
firewall
Verb
firewall
Related
firewalling

Common Collocations

install a firewall to set up a security barrier on a computer
configure a firewall to adjust the settings of a security system
bypass a firewall to go around a security system illegally
hardware firewall a physical device that protects a network
personal firewall security software for an individual user

Common Phrases

human firewall

employees trained to recognize security threats

stateful firewall

a firewall that tracks the state of active connections

built-in firewall

security software that comes pre-installed with an operating system

Often Confused With

firewall vs antivirus

An antivirus scans and removes malicious files already on your computer, while a firewall blocks unauthorized traffic from entering in the first place.

firewall vs proxy

A proxy acts as an intermediary for requests, while a firewall is designed to block or filter those requests based on safety.

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Usage Notes

While mostly used in a technical IT context, 'firewall' can also be used metaphorically to describe any barrier used to keep something away or isolate a problem.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often think a firewall protects against all viruses; however, it only controls traffic. You still need antivirus software for file-based threats.

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Memory Tip

Think of a literal 'wall of fire' from old movies—only the people with the right key can pass through the flames without getting burned.

📖

Word Origin

Originally referred to a physical wall made of brick or stone built to stop the spread of a real fire between buildings.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun Commonly used with verbs like 'set up', 'breach', or 'disable' Often functions as a compound noun
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Cultural Context

The 'Great Firewall of China' is a common cultural and political reference to the legislative and technological actions used to regulate the internet domestically in China.

Quick Quiz

The IT department needs to ______ the firewall to allow the new communication tool to work correctly.

Correct!

The correct answer is: configure

Related Words

homoducable

C1

To adapt, guide, or standardize a set of diverse elements so they conform to a single, unified, or human-centric model. In specific contexts, it refers to the act of leading different groups toward a synchronized state of behavior or belief.

intervoctude

C1

Describing a state or quality of silence or pause that occurs between vocalizations or segments of dialogue. It characterizes the meaningful transition or rhythmic gap in speech or musical performance where voices are suspended.

extraprobful

C1

A specialized term used in advanced logic and data analysis to describe an excessive or supplementary amount of verifying evidence. It refers to a state of surplus certainty where the proof provided exceeds the standard requirements for validation.

uniservive

C1

The organizational concept or state of providing integrated, unified service delivery through a single access point. It refers to the consolidation of various administrative or support functions into one streamlined system to improve efficiency and user experience.

perialiion

C1

To perialiion is to navigate or transition through a phase of close proximity to a boundary, central point, or specific limit without fully merging with it. It describes a precise, cyclical movement that skirts the edges of a concept or physical space, often used in technical or metaphorical contexts.

underjudible

C1

Describing something that cannot be adequately assessed or evaluated because it lacks sufficient detail, evidence, or falls below the necessary threshold for judgment. It is typically used in technical or formal contexts to indicate that a standard of measurement cannot be applied.

semiequion

C1

A semiequion refers to a state of partial or incomplete equilibrium within a complex system, where certain variables are balanced while others remain in flux. It is primarily used in specialized mathematical modeling or theoretical logic to describe a stable midpoint that does not reach full parity.

inprivdom

C1

To sequester or convert public information, assets, or processes into a private domain, often for the purpose of exclusive control or internal processing. It describes the act of moving something from a shared or public space into a restricted, private environment.

hyperspecile

C1

To concentrate on or restrict oneself to an extremely narrow and specific field, subject, or niche. It refers to the process of refining a focus to such a high degree that it excludes broader contexts or applications.

hyperpendward

C1

A hyperpendward refers to a state of extreme directional over-correction or an excessive swing past a central point in a pendular system. It is used both in mechanical contexts to describe physical oscillation and metaphorically to describe systems that have moved too far in one direction after attempting to find balance.

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