short-circuit

1 of 2

verb

short-cir·​cuit ˈshȯrt-ˈsər-kət How to pronounce short-circuit (audio)
short-circuited; short-circuiting; short-circuits

transitive verb

1
: to apply a short circuit to or establish a short circuit in
2
3

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

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
Elbow problems that would short-circuit his career ended his 1966 season early, keeping him out of the 1966 World Series. Paul McCardell, Baltimore Sun, 28 Mar. 2024 Presidents who order the manager around without board approval short-circuit proper association governance, forcing managers to choose between proper governance and good client relations. Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for short-circuit 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'short-circuit.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1867, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1854, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of short-circuit was in 1854

Dictionary Entries Near short-circuit

shortchange

short-circuit

short circuit

Cite this Entry

“Short-circuit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/short-circuit. Accessed 29 May. 2024.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!