short-cir·cuit
ˈshȯrt-ˈsər-kət 
short-circuited; short-circuiting; short-circuits
1
: to apply a short circuit to or establish a short circuit in
2
: to become shunted by a short circuit
The radio short-circuited.
: a connection of comparatively low resistance accidentally or intentionally made between points on a circuit between which the resistance is normally much greater
Synonyms
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
Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 20 Dec. 2024
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
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 
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
The 2012 discovery of a mass unmarked grave on the grounds of the Florida School for Boys was the sort of headline that short-circuits the brain.
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 20 Dec. 2024
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
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
Dictionary Entries Near short-circuit
Cite this Entry
“Short-circuit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/short-circuit. Accessed 11 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share