short-circuit

1 of 2

verb

short-cir·​cuit ˈshȯrt-ˈsər-kət How to pronounce short-circuit (audio)
short-circuited; short-circuiting; short-circuits

transitive verb

1
: to apply a short circuit to or establish a short circuit in
2
3

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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Journey fans in Houston keep singing 'Don't Stop Believin'' after electrical fire stops show The band was playing its signature 1980s hit Friday night at the Houston Rodeo for a packed crowd when a fire under the stage short-circuited the sound and video system. Brie Stimson, Fox News, 15 Mar. 2025 If the Trump administration tries to short-circuit these processes, its critics will likely sue and the courts could rule against EPA on process grounds. Neela Banerjee, NPR, 13 Mar. 2025
Noun
This results in dendrites, which may lead to battery short circuits. New Atlas, 2 Mar. 2025 Unbeknownst to Hal, his thermostat tinkering caused the AC unit to short circuit. Jack Dunn, Variety, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for short-circuit

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1867, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1854, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of short-circuit was in 1854

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Short-circuit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/short-circuit. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!