short circuit

¹ American  

noun

Electricity.

1. Also called short.  an abnormal, usually unintentional condition of relatively low resistance between two points of different potential in a circuit, usually resulting in a flow of excess current.

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short-circuit ² American  

[shawrt-sur-kit] / ˌʃɔrtˈsɜr kɪt /

verb (used with object)

1. Electricity.

   1. to make (an appliance, switch, etc.) inoperable by establishing a short circuit in.

   2. to carry (a current) as a short circuit.

2. to bypass, impede, hinder, or frustrate.

   Bad weather short-circuited my vacation plans.

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verb (used without object)

1. Electricity. to form a short circuit or become inoperable due to a short circuit.

short circuit British  

noun

1. a faulty or accidental connection between two points of different potential in an electric circuit, bypassing the load and establishing a path of low resistance through which an excessive current can flow. It can cause damage to the components if the circuit is not protected by a fuse

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verb

1. to develop or cause to develop a short circuit

2. (tr) to bypass (a procedure, regulation, etc)

3. (tr) to hinder or frustrate (plans, etc)

short circuit Scientific  

/ shôrt /

1. An electrical path in a circuit that causes most of the current to flow around or away from some other path in the circuit. Accidental short circuits, especially between the high and low voltages of a power supply, can cause very strong current to flow, possibly damaging or overheating the circuit.

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short circuit Cultural  

1. An electrical circuit in which a path of very low resistance has been opened, usually accidentally. When the resistance drops, the electric current (see also current) in the circuit becomes very high and can cause damage to the circuit and start fires.

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Etymology

Origin of short circuit¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Origin of short-circuit²

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

These thread like growths, known as filaments, would keep extending until they created a short circuit and destroyed the pixel.

From Science Daily • Mar. 4, 2026

Local broadcaster NDTV, citing unnamed police officials, said that a short circuit may have sparked the fire.

From Barron's • Oct. 14, 2025

“Now they want to short circuit the whole process,” McGoldrick added.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 23, 2025

Local officials believe an electrical short circuit or another fault in a machine used to increase the level of oxygen in the ward sparked the fire.

From BBC • Nov. 16, 2024

The festivities were briefly interrupted when Father’s lamp caused a short circuit and we were suddenly plunged into darkness.

From "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank

Related Words

• ditch
• duck
• elude
• escape
• evade
• fend off
• shuffle
• sidestep
• skirt