In a push-pull amplifier stage, one transistor pushes current to the output to drive it toward a positive voltage; a second device pulls down. These are designed so both devices are never fully on, which would effectively short the power supply.
The rush of current that occurs while both devices are on is called the shoot-through current. Events that allow both devices to be on (e.g. circuit faults or a brief moment in the switching cycle) are said to "crowbar" the circuit because of its similarity to a power supply protection circuit of that name.
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