short-circuit

1 of 2

verb

short-cir·​cuit ˈshȯrt-ˈsər-kət 

short-circuited; short-circuiting; short-circuits

transitive verb

1

: to apply a short circuit to or establish a short circuit in

2

: bypass sense 2

3

: frustrate, impede

intransitive verb

: to become shunted by a short circuit

The radio short-circuited.

short circuit

2 of 2

noun

: a connection of comparatively low resistance accidentally or intentionally made between points on a circuit between which the resistance is normally much greater

Synonyms

Verb

• clog
• cramp
• embarrass
• encumber
• fetter
• hamper
• handcuff
• handicap
• hinder
• hobble
• hog-tie
• hold back
• hold up
• impede
• inhibit
• interfere (with)
• manacle
• obstruct
• shackle
• stymie
• tie up
• trammel

Examples of short-circuit in a Sentence

Verb

for decades the maverick filmmaker was short-circuited by a chronic lack of funds

Noun

The fire was caused by a short circuit.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

His latest arrest on animal cruelty charges recalled the case of Mr. Vick, the dual-threat quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons whose success in the N.F.L. — guiding his team to the playoffs and making the cover of the Madden video game — was short-circuited by a dogfighting conviction. —Neil Vigdor, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025

By stymying Butler, the Heat short-circuited the Warriors’ offensive engine. —Danny Emerman, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2025

Noun

All was well that ended well for Minnesota, but the end-of-game offensive incompetence continues to rear its head, and is a looming threat to short circuit any potential playoff run the Timberwolves hope to make this spring. —Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 2 Apr. 2025

Broken bulbs can also prevent the light string from illuminating, and may increase the risk of electrocution, fire, or short circuits. —Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1867, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1854, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for short-circuit

• burkitt
• circuit

Kids Definition

short-circuit

1 of 2 verb

short-cir·​cuit

-ˈsər-kət

: to make a short circuit in or have a short circuit

short circuit

2 of 2 noun

: an electrical connection made between points in an electric circuit between which current does not normally flow