Ctrl-alt-del Definition & Meaning

Definition

Etymology

Examples

Ctrl-Alt-Del American [kuhn-trohl-awlt-di-leet] / kənˈtroʊlˈɔlt dɪˈlit / Computers.

1. Also Ctrl-Alt-Delete a combination of three keys on a PC keyboard, usually labeled Ctrl, Alt, and Delete, held down simultaneously in order to close an application that is not responding, reboot the computer, log in, etc.

Etymology

Origin of Ctrl-Alt-Del

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Through fiddling with it, I’ve learned that if I hit Ctrl-Alt-Del, it will respond, give me the password field and I can log on.

From Seattle Times

Sick and tired of CTRL-ALT-DEL.

From Washington Post

The urge to hit CTRL-ALT-DEL and see what happens is powerful.

From New York Times

If we all hit ctrl-alt-del simultaneously and pray, perhaps we can force 2016 to reboot.

From Time

What's needed is a full reset, ctrl-alt-del, with no guarantees.

From New York Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.