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 of short-circuit

Verb

• impede
• hinder
• hamper
• obstruct
• embarrass

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

Trump and Kushner's real estate offensive, opaquely managed and crowded with fixers and still faceless figures, short-circuits with geopolitical and military ones, fuels suspicions and conspiracy theories. —Marzio G. Mian, Vanity Fair, 16 June 2026

The Spurs helped their young star by using different sets than the ones the Knicks had short-circuited in the first two games, creating more spacing for their guards to get two feet into the paint. —David Aldridge, New York Times, 10 June 2026

Noun

Electronic devices like cellphones, laptops, and other portable rechargeable electronic devices carry fire risk due to lithium batteries, which can short circuit. —Kiki Intarasuwan, CBS News, 16 June 2026

Considerations Before Getting Started For deeper cleanings, unplugging the refrigerator can prevent electric shock or short circuits if moisture gets into the electrical components while cleaning. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 16 June 2026

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