short circuit
noun
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.
short-circuited
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past participleof short-circuit.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof short-circuit.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
short circuitnounan 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.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
That process normally requires an investigation, but can be short-circuited where there are serious harms, risks to children, and histories of non-compliance.
From BBC ● Jan. 9, 2026
But I was like this person who was short-circuited and I didn’t know how to fix myself.”
From MarketWatch ● Jan. 8, 2026
But on the Italians’ opening night, the torrents of rain short-circuited TV monitors and panelists struggled to give their presentations.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 21, 2025
"Maybe it's the failure of Oslo that gave rise to the rather unconventional approach that Trump has taken, where he has short-circuited any sort of process and simply pressured and cajoled," Yacoubian said.
From Barron's ● Oct. 14, 2025
If Leo had had gears and wires in his brain, they would’ve short-circuited.
From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan
