circuit breaker

noun

: a switch that automatically interrupts the current of an overloaded electric circuit

Examples of circuit breaker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Doing so could cause your circuit breaker to trip or even cause a fire. —Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Apr. 2025

Indonesia’s Jakarta Composite slid over 7.87% after trading resumed following a temporary circuit breaker. —Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2025

There are three circuit breaker levels: Level 1: The S&P 500 falls 7% intraday. —Fred Imbert, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2025

While the stock market recovered over the next two years, the sudden crash prompted the New York Stock Exchange to introduce circuit breakers—temporary halts in trading intended to calm markets and prevent panic selling—which kick in when stock prices fall too sharply, too fast. —John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for circuit breaker

• automaker
• boilermaker
• cabinetmaker
• coffeemaker
• troublemaker
• undertaker
• blackacre
• caretaker
• clockmaker
• dressmaker
• filmmaker
• homemaker

Kids Definition

circuit breaker

noun

: a switch that automatically stops the flow of electric current in an overloaded circuit