Contrast how a fuse and a circuit breaker work to prevent overloading in circuits?

They stop electrical applications like washing machines from harming us if they malfunction.

Suppose something goes wrong and the live wire gets connected to the casing. You are now at risk from a fatal electric shock but the fuse stops this. Because the earthing wire is connected to the case and it offers little resistance energy surges down it. This overloads the fuse which melts thus breaking the circuit and protecting you.

Additional Answer

It should be noted that a fuse or circuit breaker is designed to protect a circuit against an over current. It is not designed to protect people!