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

Advanced Safety Features: Includes overcharge, overheat and short-circuit protection to keep you and your devices safe. —Kasey Caminiti, USA TODAY, 15 Nov. 2024

Star quarterback Preston Stone is back following a broken ankle that short-circuited his 2023 season. —Manny Navarro, The Athletic, 20 Aug. 2024

Noun

Safe lithium-ion batteries have features that mitigate disaster in these types of situations, but short circuits and internal battery damage are harder to defend against. —Tim Moynihan, WIRED, 23 Jan. 2017

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

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