Standard Lemma guide

Ctrl-Alt-Delete

intj · noun · verb · 4 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • US: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

intj

Meaning 1

Said by a sentient machine to express the desire to kill or destroy something or someone.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: humorous, sometimes

Topics: literature, media, publishing, science-fiction

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

The simultaneous key combination of Ctrl, Alt, and Delete.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: uncountable

Topics: computing, engineering, mathematics, natural-sciences, physical-sciences, sciences

Examples

  • Press Ctrl-Alt-Delete to reboot.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To press Ctrl, Alt, and Delete simultaneously to restart.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: intransitive, transitive

Qualifier: literal

Topics: computing, engineering, mathematics, natural-sciences, physical-sciences, sciences

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

verb

Meaning 4

To reset.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively, intransitive, transitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Key combination of Ctrl, Alt and Delete. In many computer systems, this interrupts or shuts down the system or some part of it or opens up a shut-down menu.