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

But Taverner’s issues with her Russian counterpart, Vassily, are not over, and nothing is settled in the closing sequence where River’s romantic moment with Sid is drastically short-circuited. — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026

Thursday’s rulings effectively short-circuited Bianco’s efforts to keep the ballot probe alive. — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026

Noun

These deposits can damage the battery and increase the risk of short circuits. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 2026

Damaged insulation may expose wires, increasing the risk of electric shock, short circuits, or fire. — Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 29 Oct. 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