debug

[dee-buhg]

verb (used with object)

debugged, debugging 

1. to detect and remove defects or errors from.

2. to remove electronic bugs from (a room or building).

3. Computers.,  to detect and remove errors from (a computer program).

4. to rid (a garden, plant, etc.) of insect pests, as by the application of a pesticide.

debug

/ diːˈbʌɡ /

verb

1. to locate and remove concealed microphones from (a room, etc)

2. to locate and remove defects in (a device, system, plan, etc)

3. to remove insects from

noun

1. 1. something, esp a computer program, that locates and removes defects in (a device, system, etc)

   2. ( as modifier )

      a debug program

Other Word Forms

• debugger noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of debug¹

First recorded in 1940–45; de- + bug ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of debug¹

C20: from _de- + _bug ¹

Example Sentences

In 2017, an employee typed the wrong command during a debugging procedure, resulting in the shutdown of more servers than expected.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The assembly, debugging, maintenance, repair, and upgrading of production equipment are also prohibited from export without permission, the announcement added.

Read more on BBC

The quick turnaround raises questions about how much time county officials allotted to debug the software and train employees.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Lured by a better price and shinier features, Riverside, Inyo and Monterey counties made the switch to Genasys after spending about a year testing, debugging and training staff on the software.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Today, people use it for literally everything — from planning their trips around the globe and debugging code to creating dinner recipes, scripting social media posts and customizing cover letters.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• unscramble