Glitch: meaning, definitions and examples

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glitch

[ ɡlɪtʃ ]

Noun / Verb

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in technology

A glitch is a short-lived fault in a system or machine, often caused by a temporary malfunction. Glitches can occur in software, hardware, or other electronic devices.

Synonyms

bug, error, malfunction.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
glitch	Use 'glitch' when referring to a small, temporary problem, often in electronics or software, that is usually easy to fix. There was a small glitch in the software that caused the screen to freeze for a few seconds. I think the TV has a glitch; it keeps turning off by itself.
malfunction	Use 'malfunction' for mechanical or systemic issues where a device or system fails to function properly, typically needing repair or maintenance. The printer had a malfunction and stopped working altogether. There was a malfunction in the airplane's navigation system, causing the flight to be delayed.
bug	Use 'bug' when talking about flaws or faults in software or code that cause it to operate incorrectly. It often requires debugging. The developer is working on fixing a bug that causes the application to crash. We found a bug in the system that prevents users from logging in.
error	Use 'error' to describe a mistake or a problem that occurs in a wide range of contexts, including software, math, communication, and human actions. There's an error in the calculation that needs to be corrected. The website displayed an error message when I tried to submit the form.

Examples of usage

The video game experienced a glitch that caused the character to get stuck in a wall.
My computer has been acting strange lately, I think there might be a glitch in the system.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

in gaming

To glitch means to exploit a flaw in a video game's programming to gain an advantage or perform a specific action that was not intended by the game developers.

Synonyms

cheat, exploit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
glitch	Same as the first entry. Use this in technical or casual situations to describe a small, unexpected problem, often temporary, especially in software, devices, or systems. There was a glitch in the app that caused it to crash unexpectedly. A glitch in the matrix affected our simulations.
exploit	Commonly used in technical contexts to describe taking advantage of a flaw in a system, game, or software. It can also refer to taking unfair advantage of someone. This term can have a negative connotation based on context. Hackers found an exploit in the software and used it to gain unauthorized access. He exploited the loophole in the law to avoid paying taxes.
cheat	This is used in contexts where someone is breaking rules to gain an advantage, often in a deliberate, dishonest manner. It has a negative connotation. He tried to cheat on the test by looking at his neighbor's answers. Using cheat codes in video games takes away the challenge.

Word

Description / Examples

glitch

Same as the first entry. Use this in technical or casual situations to describe a small, unexpected problem, often temporary, especially in software, devices, or systems.

There was a glitch in the app that caused it to crash unexpectedly.
A glitch in the matrix affected our simulations.

exploit

Commonly used in technical contexts to describe taking advantage of a flaw in a system, game, or software. It can also refer to taking unfair advantage of someone. This term can have a negative connotation based on context.

Hackers found an exploit in the software and used it to gain unauthorized access.
He exploited the loophole in the law to avoid paying taxes.

cheat

This is used in contexts where someone is breaking rules to gain an advantage, often in a deliberate, dishonest manner. It has a negative connotation.

He tried to cheat on the test by looking at his neighbor's answers.
Using cheat codes in video games takes away the challenge.

Examples of usage

Players often glitch through walls to reach hidden areas in the game.
He glitched his way to the top of the leaderboard using a cheat code.

Translations

Translations of the word "glitch" in other languages:

🇵🇹 falha

erro
problema técnico

🇮🇳 त्रुटि

दोष
खामी

🇩🇪 Fehler

Störung
Panne

🇮🇩 kesalahan

gangguan
masalah teknis

🇺🇦 збій

помилка
технічна несправність

🇵🇱 usterka

błąd
awaria

🇯🇵 不具合 (fuguai)

エラー (eraa)
技術的問題 (gijutsuteki mondai)

🇫🇷 accroc

erreur
problème technique

🇪🇸 fallo

error
problema técnico

🇹🇷 hata

aksaklık
teknik sorun

🇰🇷 오류 (oryu)

결함 (gyeolham)
기술적 문제 (gisuljeok munje)

🇸🇦 خلل

خطأ
مشكلة تقنية

🇨🇿 chyba

závada
technický problém

🇸🇰 chyba

porucha
technický problém

🇨🇳 故障 (gùzhàng)

错误 (cuòwù)
技术问题 (jìshù wèntí)

🇸🇮 napaka

okvara
tehnična težava

🇮🇸 villa

bilun
tæknilegt vandamál

🇰🇿 қате

ақау
техникалық ақау

🇬🇪 შეცდომა

ხარვეზი
ტექნიკური პრობლემა

🇦🇿 səhv

nasazlıq
texniki problem

🇲🇽 fallo

error
problema técnico

Etymology

The term 'glitch' originated in the world of electronics and computing in the 1960s. It was initially used to describe a sudden surge of voltage or electromagnetic interference that caused a temporary malfunction in a system. Over time, the term expanded to include any temporary fault or error in a system, whether it be in software, hardware, or even human behavior. The concept of a glitch has become increasingly relevant in the digital age, where technology plays a central role in our daily lives.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,734 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

...
31731 fidget
31732 imponderable
31733 carpel
31734 glitch
31735 bronchodilator
31736 unashamed
31737 jowl
...