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

• clog
• cramp
• embarrass
• encumber
• fetter
• hamper
• handcuff
• handicap
• hinder
• hobble
• hog-tie
• hold back
• hold up
• impede
• inhibit
• interfere (with)
• manacle
• obstruct
• shackle
• stymie
• tie up
• trammel

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 impersonation of a trusted colleague, especially when delivered via a text message or phone call, can short-circuit a person’s judgment. —Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025

This causes the Chromebooks to short-circuit, leaving them sparking, smoking or catching on fire. —Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025

Noun

Watch out for overheating, short circuits, and faulty motors. —Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2025

Gamble agrees with some, Universal, for instance, that there’s no clear evidence that putting films out on PVOD short circuits a theatrical run. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 2 May 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