Final answer:
An upset failure is the type of failure caused by static discharge that shortens the life of a component and causes intermittent errors.
Step-by-step explanation:
When dealing with static electricity, the kind of failure caused by static discharge that can shorten the life of a component and cause intermittent errors is known as an upset failure. This type of failure occurs when an electrostatic discharge (ESD) affects the electronic circuit without causing immediate total failure. Instead, the affected component may experience altered behavior, leading to errors that can be intermittent or hard to diagnose. Though the device continues to function, its reliability is compromised, potentially leading to a shortened lifespan.