power failure
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun A power failure is an event where the supply of electrical power is interrupted or stops completely. It is a type of equipment failure caused by the loss of electricity.
Usage
This term is used to describe a widespread or significant loss of electrical power, often affecting a building, neighborhood, or larger area. It is a neutral, factual term commonly used in news reports, official statements, and everyday conversation.
Examples
- The storm last night caused a power failure that lasted for six hours.
- Hospitals have backup generators to operate during a power failure.
- The investigation into the cause of the power failure is ongoing.
Advanced Usage
- "to experience a power failure": This phrase is used to describe being affected by a power outage.
- The entire town experienced a power failure after the transformer exploded.
Variants and Related Words
- Power outage (noun): This is a direct synonym for "power failure" and is often used interchangeably.
- The ice storm caused a widespread power outage.
- Blackout (noun): This term often implies a complete and sometimes prolonged loss of power over a large area. It can have a more severe connotation than "power failure."
- The 2003 blackout affected millions of people across the northeastern United States.
- Brownout (noun): This refers to a reduction in voltage, causing lights to dim, rather than a complete failure of power.
Synonyms
- Power outage
- Electrical failure
- Loss of power
- Electricity cut
Related Phrases
- To be plunged into darkness: An idiomatic expression describing the immediate effect of a power failure at night.
- When the power failure occurred, the city was plunged into darkness.
Noun
- equipment failure resulting when the supply of power fails
- the ice storm caused a power outage