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

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

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1867, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1854, in the meaning defined above

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