autopilot
verbEtymology From auto- + pilot.
1
Of a vehicle To pilot itself; to drive or travel automatically.
- Related terms
- cruise control, go through the motions
autopilot
nounUK /ˈɔːtəʊˌpaɪlət/ · US /ˈɔtoʊˌpaɪlət/
Etymology From auto- + pilot.
1
Aeronautics, Aerospace, Aviation, Business, Engineering, Natural sciences, Nautical, Physical sciences, Transport A mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic system used to guide a vehicle without assistance from a human being.
- I set the autopilot to due south, so I could get some rest.
2
Broadly, Figuratively A state of mind where one no longer thinks about doing one's actions, but acts mechanically.
- I've been doing this 12 hours non-stop, and am so hungry and tired that I've stopped thinking: I'm now on autopilot.
- But while the wackiness gets exasperating fast (a running joke about Hazel’s father, played by Ray Romano on autopilot, having a sex doll for a wife is even unfunnier than it sounds), Milioti works overtime to keep us invested.2021 March 31, Benjamin Lee, “Made for Love review – Black Mirror-esque comedy needs an upgrade”, in The Guardian:
- Related terms
- automatic