Linux OOM killer terminates PostgreSQL processes

Linux OOM killer terminates PostgreSQL postmaster or backend processes when system memory is exhausted. Indicates severe memory pressure. Disabling OOM killer can cause full system lockup.

Review memory settings in postgresql.conf (work_mem, shared_buffers, maintenance_work_mem). Calculate total memory requirements vs available RAM. Review resource limits (ulimit). Consider adding RAM or reducing concurrent connections and per-query memory. Monitor system memory usage and tune proactively to prevent OOM conditions.