short-circuit

1 of 2

verb

short-cir·​cuit ˈshȯrt-ˈsər-kət How to pronounce short-circuit (audio)
short-circuited; short-circuiting; short-circuits

transitive verb

1
: to apply a short circuit to or establish a short circuit in
2
3

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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Stepping down immediately appeared to be a ploy by Gaetz to short-circuit release of the report because the panel typically only exercises jurisdiction over sitting members of Congress, not former members. Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 18 Dec. 2024 The process of reconciliation, a legislative workaround that short-circuits the filibuster, remains subject to tight rules that require every provision to have a budgetary impact. David Sivak, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 3 Dec. 2024
Noun
The point where the lights and the extension cord meet should be kept clear of puddles, snow, ice, and damp soil so that moisture does not cause the Christmas lights to short circuit. Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Dec. 2024 According to documents posted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Tuesday, water intrusion into the electronic gate release switches can cause them to short circuit, resulting in the tailgates unlatching. Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for short-circuit 

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1867, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1854, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of short-circuit was in 1854

Dictionary Entries Near short-circuit

shortchange

short-circuit

short circuit

Cite this Entry

“Short-circuit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/short-circuit. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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