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

The trade tensions apparently short-circuited a recent rally in bitcoin. —Damian J. Troise, Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 2026

To be frank, Jarrett’s rush pattern may have short-circuited the Next Gen Stats GPS system with more twists, twirls and figure-eights than an Olympic figure skating routine. —Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2026

Noun

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, though police have indicated that a short circuit may have triggered the blaze. —Adil Jawad, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026

Police have said a short circuit may have triggered the fire. —Arkansas Online, 22 Jan. 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