glitch

[glich]

noun

1. a defect or malfunction in a machine or plan.

2. Computers.,  any error, malfunction, or problem.

3. a brief or sudden interruption or surge in voltage in an electric circuit.

verb (used with object)

1. to cause a glitch in.

   an accident that glitched our plans.

glitch

/ ɡlɪtʃ /

noun

1. a sudden instance of malfunctioning or irregularity in an electronic system

2. a change in the rotation rate of a pulsar

Word History and Origins

Origin of glitch¹

First recorded in 1960–65; perhaps from Yiddish glitsh “slippery area”; compare glitshn, German glitschen “to slip, slide”

Word History and Origins

Origin of glitch¹

C20: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

Yet these efforts have been plagued by audio glitches and other issues.

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A blackout that paralyzed Spain and Portugal in April showed how a relatively small glitch on the grid, such as an outage at a few power plants, can cascade.

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I hear fragments of statements coming out of Autumn’s mouth, glitching together like a ruined video file.

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“One potential glitch, as far as I can see: What if dead Edward says yes?”

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In addition to the periodic glitches and blackouts, there were times when electronic computers would spit out answers so unexpected that it wasn’t clear if the machines were up to snuff.

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Related Words

• bug 
• defect 
• flaw 
• hitch 
• malfunction 
• mishap 
• problem 
• setback 
• snafu 
• snag