emergency key

[/ɪˈmɜrdʒənsi kiː/]
nounpl: emergency keys
chave de emergência
1. A key designed to be used in urgent or critical situations, typically kept in a secure location for access when primary keys are unavailable
The emergency key is stored in a locked box behind the front desk.
A chave de emergência é armazenada em uma caixa trancada atrás do balcão de atendimento.
2. A backup key that grants access to a locked area, vehicle, or device when normal access methods fail
The fire department used the emergency key to enter the building during the evacuation.
O corpo de bombeiros usou a chave de emergência para entrar no edifício durante a evacuação.
3. In computer systems, a key combination or authentication method reserved for critical system access in emergency situations
The administrator has an emergency key to override system locks in case of security breach.
O administrador tem uma chave de emergência para anular bloqueios do sistema em caso de violação de segurança.
The concept of emergency keys is important in both American and Brazilian safety protocols, particularly in commercial, residential, and industrial buildings. In Brazil, emergency keys are often required by fire safety regulations (Corpo de Bombeiros) and building codes. In the USA, they are mandatory in many jurisdictions for fire departments to access buildings. The terminology is consistent across both English and Portuguese-speaking countries in professional and safety contexts.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
master keybackup keyoverride keyspare keyreserve key
Antonyms / Antônimos
primary keymain keystandard key

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
chave de emergência
Standard and widely used across all Brazilian regions
Rio de Janeiro
chave de emergência
Same as general usage
São Paulo
chave de emergência
Same as general usage; also sometimes referred to in business contexts as chave de acesso de emergência
Portugal
chave de emergência
Same usage; also sometimes called chave de segurança in formal contexts

Related Words

emergency exitemergency procedureaccess controlsecurity lockmaster lockkeycard

Related Idioms & Phrases

break glass in case of emergency
emergency access
last resort key
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