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

The fire may have been caused by a short circuit, he said.

From Barron's • Oct. 12, 2025

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

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 23, 2025

The arcade fire was allegedly started due to a short circuit, and within a matter of hours the two-storey building had been destroyed.

From BBC • May 26, 2024

Additionally, when lithium grows in one direction, it can reach the cathode on the opposite side, causing an internal short circuit.

From Science Daily • May 23, 2024

In the midst of one prayer, smoke issued from the lectern and I thought we had gone too far but it turned out to be a short circuit.

From "Travels with Charley in Search of America" by John Steinbeck

Related Words

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