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
Verb
The successful effort to short-circuit a Pennsylvania court hearing virtually guarantees the issue won’t be heard before Nov. 5, according to an official in the Philadelphia Office of Judicial Records, citing rules of procedure. Josh Meyer, USA TODAY, 1 Nov. 2024 Somehow, after Gonzaga short-circuited on the ensuing kickoff and allowed a 77-yard DeMatha return TD with 29 seconds remaining, the Eagles didn’t buckle. Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 26 Oct. 2024
Noun
McIntosh’s signature Power Guard and Sentry Monitor technologies are built into the PS1K to protect the unit against overloading and short circuits. Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 Dust can settle into vents or scratch screens, excess moisture may corrode metal parts or cause wires to short circuit, and fluctuating temperatures could lead to overheating, among other issues. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for short-circuit 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'short-circuit.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 5 Nov. 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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