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

In recent years, those officials noted, both Democratic and Republican administrations have tried at times to short-circuit competition for big cases among law enforcement agencies and judicial districts. —Tim Golden, ProPublica, 25 June 2025

Trump’s Republican allies control both houses of Congress and GOP leaders may be able to short-circuit any protest votes, especially if there is no more U.S. military action on the immediate horizon. —Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 23 June 2025

Noun

The personal refrigerators' electrical switch can short circuit, posing fire and burn risks, according to a notice from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). —Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 18 June 2025

Over five years on, the investigation into what caused the fire is ongoing, with initial findings backing an accidental cause such as a short circuit, a welder’s torch or a cigarette. —Chris Morris, Fortune Europe, 29 Nov. 2024

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