Bypass Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bypass

[ˈbaɪˌpæs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

surgery

A surgical procedure to divert the flow of blood or other fluid, typically to avoid a blocked or damaged vessel.

Synonyms

alternative route, detour, rerouting.

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Word Description / Examples
bypass

This term is often used in the context of avoiding a specific city, town, or obstacle, usually when referring to a road designed to redirect traffic and reduce congestion.

  • The new highway bypass will help reduce traffic in the city center.
  • Drivers are encouraged to use the bypass to avoid roadworks on the main street.
rerouting

This term implies the redirection of traffic or a change in the usual course. It is often used in more formal contexts, such as logistics, transport plans, and emergency services.

  • The airline announced rerouting of flights due to severe weather conditions.
  • There's a need for rerouting the trucks to avoid the flooded area.
detour

Usually refers to a temporary route set up when the main road is closed or obstructed. It often implies a short-term change and is commonly seen in road signs.

  • We had to take a detour because the main road was closed for construction.
  • The detour signs led us through an unfamiliar neighborhood.
alternative route

This is a general term for any road or path that can be taken instead of the usual one, often in case of traffic, roadblocks, or closures.

  • Due to heavy traffic, we should find an alternative route to the office.
  • The GPS suggested an alternative route because of the accident ahead.

Examples of usage

  • The patient underwent a bypass to improve blood flow to the heart.
  • The doctor recommended a bypass surgery to treat the blockage.
Context #2 | Verb

technology

To circumvent or avoid a restriction or obstacle, especially in a computer system or network.

Synonyms

circumvent, evade, sidestep.

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Word Description / Examples
bypass

To go around something in order to avoid it or save time. Often used in medical or technical contexts.

  • The doctor decided to bypass the blocked artery.
  • They built a new road to bypass the city center.
circumvent

To find a way around an obstacle or problem, often using clever or deceptive means.

  • He managed to circumvent the security system.
  • They tried to circumvent the new regulations.
evade

To avoid or escape from something harmful or threatening, often using deceit or trickery; has a negative connotation.

  • He tried to evade the police.
  • She evaded paying taxes for years.
sidestep

To avoid dealing with something directly, often used in political or strategic situations.

  • The politician sidestepped the controversial question.
  • He sidestepped the issue by changing the topic.

Examples of usage

  • The firewall was bypassed by hackers to gain unauthorized access.
  • The software allows users to bypass certain security protocols.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Technology

  • In computer networking, a bypass can refer to a method of circumventing firewalls to access restricted content.
  • Circuit designs may include bypass capacitors, which help eliminate noise in electronic signals.
  • Software applications often use bypass methods to provide alternative access for users facing restrictions.

Medicine

  • In healthcare, 'bypass' refers to procedures like coronary artery bypass surgery, which reroutes blood flow around blocked arteries.
  • Bypass methods in medical imaging can help obtain clearer pictures without interference from other body parts.
  • Bariatric surgery techniques may include bypass procedures to help with weight loss.

Urban Planning

  • Urban planners use bypass roads to reduce traffic congestion in city centers, allowing vehicles to avoid crowded areas.
  • Bypass routes can enhance accessibility to suburban areas, encouraging economic development outside urban centers.
  • Some regions develop bypasses specifically to protect historical sites from modern traffic impacts.

Cultural References

  • In popular music, songs have been written about 'bypassing' obstacles, metaphorically referring to personal struggles.
  • Movies often depict characters using bypass strategies to outsmart authorities or evade problems.
  • The concept of bypassing rules is prevalent in literature, symbolizing rebellion and cleverness against societal norms.

Origin of 'bypass'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Bypass' comes from the Middle English 'by' meaning 'near' and 'pass' from Old French 'passer' which means 'to pass'.
  • The term began to be used in English in the 19th century, referring to detours around obstacles.
  • Originally used in military contexts to describe moving around enemy positions.

The term 'bypass' originated in the early 19th century, combining 'by' and 'pass'. It was initially used in the context of roads and railways to refer to a road passing around a town or a railway line passing around a station without stopping. Over time, the term evolved to encompass various fields such as medicine, technology, and more.


See also: impassable, impasse, overpass, passable, passably, passage, passcode, passé, passenger, passer, passing, passingly, passion, passionately, passive, passkey, underpass, unpassability, unpassable.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,108, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.