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

• 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

During heavy rain, flush-fit door handles have short-circuited, trapping people in their cars. —Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 10 Sep. 2025

Dendrite growth degrades battery performance and can cause internal short-circuits, making fast charging particularly dangerous. —Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2025

Noun

Thousands of Paris Hilton Mini Beauty Fridges have been recalled due to a potential electrical switch short circuit, which can pose a fire and burn hazard. —Greta Cross, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025

The Consumer Product Safety Commission says a faulty safety cutoff in the motor can short circuit, creating a risk of overheating and fire. —Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Sep. 2025

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