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

Nagging shoulder/lat muscle injuries short-circuited his 2019 season, and Tommy John surgery did the same to 2020-21. —Tony Blengino, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025

The Trump White House is trying to short-circuit the Associated Press' lawsuit against it by altering decades-old protocols over which news outlets can access the president at meetings and events when space is limited. —Erin Doherty, Axios, 25 Feb. 2025

Noun

Unbeknownst to Hal, his thermostat tinkering caused the AC unit to short circuit. —Jack Dunn, Variety, 4 Mar. 2025

The automotive manufacturer said in the NHTSA report that the tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion. —Ahjané Forbes, USA TODAY, 9 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