unbypassed

Unbypassed is an adjective formed from the prefix un- and the noun bypass. In general usage it describes a path, mechanism, or condition that cannot be circumvented, overridden, or disabled by an alternative route or workaround. The term is predominantly found in technical and engineering discourse, and its precise meaning is context-dependent.

In safety engineering and fault-tolerant design, unbypassed elements are those that must function and cannot be overridden by operator actions or software shortcuts. Examples include interlocks, safety valves, and emergency stop circuits that are designed to remain active or verifiable even when other subsystems fail. The notion emphasizes reliability and adherence to safety or compliance requirements, rather than convenience.

In software, cybersecurity, and networking, unbypassed checks or controls are those that cannot be bypassed by end users or adversaries. This can refer to authentication, authorization, logging, or integrity checks that are enforced at multiple layers or within protected components. The goal is to reduce or eliminate bypass pathways that could compromise security or integrity.

Outside of strict engineering or security contexts, unbypassed is less common and may appear as a descriptive label in technical writing or critiques. Because it is not a standardized term with a single official definition, its interpretation can vary by discipline and project. It remains primarily a metaphor for insisting on non-optional, non-evadable mechanisms within a system.