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
And no statutory delegation of authority to the executive branch permits the president to short-circuit Congress's deliberative process by executive order. Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2025 But beneath the surface, they short-circuit emotional repair. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
This reduces the chance of a short circuit that can spark into a significant house fire. Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2025 All was well that ended well for Minnesota, but the end-of-game offensive incompetence continues to rear its head, and is a looming threat to short circuit any potential playoff run the Timberwolves hope to make this spring. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 2 Apr. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Short-circuit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/short-circuit. Accessed 29 Apr. 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
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