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

But opponents saw the move as a blatant attempt to short-circuit the investigation into Russian hacking of the 2016 presidential election. —Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025

Is this not short-circuiting our inherent curiosity? —Paul Greenberg, Time, 20 Sep. 2025

Noun

The fire risk comes from a short circuit in the battery junction box, which can cause an engine fire when the vehicle is parked or in drive. —Olivia Evans, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025

Pointing to Combs’ admitted acts of violence and abuse over the years, Judge Subramanian has repeatedly denied Combs’ $50 million bail pitches – including two times since the trial ended – as well as other efforts to short circuit the case. —Dominic Patten, Deadline, 30 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