diff --git a/src/libavrdude.h b/src/libavrdude.h
index 453b22a0..60cf4ebf 100644
--- a/src/libavrdude.h
+++ b/src/libavrdude.h
@@ -59,6 +59,7 @@ typedef uint32_t pinmask_t;
 #define LIBAVRDUDE_NOTSUPPORTED (-2) // operation not supported
 #define LIBAVRDUDE_SOFTFAIL (-3) // returned, eg, by avr_signature() if caller
                                  // might proceed with chip erase
+#define LIBAVRDUDE_EXIT (-4)     // End all operations in this session
 
 /* formerly lists.h */
 
diff --git a/src/micronucleus.c b/src/micronucleus.c
index 1835cc27..beba31a3 100644
--- a/src/micronucleus.c
+++ b/src/micronucleus.c
@@ -907,7 +907,7 @@ static int micronucleus_parseextparams(const PROGRAMMER *pgm, const LISTID xpara
             msg_error("  -xwait       Wait for the device to be plugged in if not connected\n");
             msg_error("  -xwait=<arg> Wait <arg> [s] for the device to be plugged in if not connected\n");
             msg_error("  -xhelp       Show this help menu and exit\n");
-            return LIBAVRDUDE_SOFTFAIL;
+            return LIBAVRDUDE_EXIT;
         }
         else
         {