Bypasses are a common feature of modern transportation infrastructure. They are designed to divert traffic around congested areas, such as city centers or major intersections, in order to reduce congestion and improve safety. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of bypasses, as well as their origins and associations.
Definitions
A bypass is a road or highway that diverts traffic away from a congested area. It can also refer to a medical procedure in which blood flow is redirected around a blocked or damaged artery.
Origin
The first bypasses were built in the early 20th century, as cities began to grow and traffic congestion became a problem. The first bypass in the United States was built in 1917, around the city of Des Moines, Iowa. Since then, bypasses have become a common feature of modern transportation infrastructure, with many cities and towns building bypasses to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a bypass is “a road that goes around a town or city rather than through its center”. The Oxford English Dictionary defines a bypass as “a road or passage that avoids or circumvents a particular area or obstacle”. The Cambridge Dictionary defines a bypass as “a road that goes around a town or city rather than through its center, often built in order to reduce traffic”.
Associations
Bypasses are often associated with traffic congestion and safety. They are seen as a way to reduce the number of accidents and improve the flow of traffic in congested areas. However, bypasses can also have negative impacts on local communities, such as increased noise and air pollution.
Synonyms
Synonyms for bypasses include circumvent, detour, and bypass road.
Antonyms
Antonyms for bypasses include direct route, main road, and throughway.
The same root words
The word “bypass” comes from the Old English word “bīpassan”, which means “to go around”. The same root word is also found in the words “circumvent” and “detour”.
Example Sentences
- The new bypass has reduced traffic congestion in the city center.
- The doctor recommended a bypass surgery to improve blood flow to the heart.
- We took a detour to avoid the traffic on the main road.
- The circumvent route took us around the construction site.
- The throughway was closed due to an accident, so we had to take a bypass road.