Synonyms of short-circuit

short-circuit

verb

ˈshȯrt-ˈsər-kət 

as in to impede

to create difficulty for the work or activity of

for decades the maverick filmmaker was short-circuited by a chronic lack of funds

Synonyms & Similar Words

• impede
• hinder
• hamper
• obstruct
• embarrass
• inhibit
• delay
• stymie
• handicap
• interfere (with)
• disrupt
• block
• restrain
• cramp
• clog
• tie up
• constrain
• encumber
• shackle
• hold back
• thwart
• fetter
• handcuff
• hobble
• trammel
• frustrate
• hog-tie
• curb
• stifle
• brake
• rein
• tie
• cramp one's style
• retard
• bind
• give a hard time
• hold up
• manacle
• check
• sabotage
• retain
• derail
• balk
• choke
• barricade
• tether
• arrest
• chain
• strangle
• baffle
• bog (down)
• blockade
• confine
• smother
• foil
• roadblock
• suffocate
• suppress
• leash
• repress
• muzzle
• mire
• hedge (in)
• hem (in)
• halter
• stump

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• facilitate
• help
• assist
• aid
• open
• clear
• make way
• liberate
• free
• unplug
• release
• promote
• unclog
• encourage
• loosen
• unstop
• smooth
• further
• untie

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of short-circuit

If someone tried doing this complex, multistep performance of masculinity with me, especially without time to rehearse, both my brain and body would short-circuit before permanently shutting down. — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026

The would-be client learned that artificially increasing his Klotho levels could potentially short-circuit the problem and wanted Sinkule’s help finding a company that could produce it for him. — Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 9 Aug. 2026

Almost two decades ago in Germany, a particularly wily octopus named Otto short-circuited his aquarium’s electrical system by shooting jets of water at an overhead light that perhaps caused an objectionable glare. — Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 29 July 2026

Last week, the states’ attorney James Weingarten argued that Paramount was effectively seeking to short-circuit the trial process by holding an evidentiary hearing without giving the states adequate time to prepare. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 23 July 2026