Bypass

/ˈbaɪpæs/

verbIntermediateCommonGeneral

Definitions

2 meanings
1

To go around or avoid something, especially a difficulty or obstacle.

/ˈbaɪpæs/

verbneutralIntermediate
General

To avoid or circumvent something.

We bypassed the traffic jam by taking a back road.

💡 Simply: To go around instead of going through.

More Examples

2

The company bypassed the usual approval process.

How It's Used

Computing

"The software was designed to bypass the security protocols."

Medicine

"The surgeon bypassed the blocked artery."

2

A road or path that goes around a place or obstacle.

/ˈbaɪpæs/

nounneutralIntermediate
General

A route or path that avoids something.

The new highway bypasses the town completely.

💡 Simply: A way around something.

More Examples

2

The doctor performed a heart bypass.

How It's Used

Engineering

"The new bypass reduced traffic congestion in the city center."

Medicine

"The patient received a coronary artery bypass graft."

Tip:Think of 'passing by' a blocked area.

From Middle English *bi-passen, from Old French *bipasser, from *bi- + *passer (to pass). Originally meant to pass by or around.

Early uses focused primarily on its literal meaning of going around a physical obstacle.

Memory tip

Think of 'passing by' something.

by passbi-passbypase

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written