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.
Yet whatever momentum that was building appeared to be short-circuited by the war with Iran.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 6, 2026
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
His absence figured to make it hard for the Lakers to incorporate the slew of fresh faces they’d brought in to address the defensive deficiencies that had short-circuited their playoff run a season ago.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 11, 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
It was like my brain short-circuited and I forgot who I was talking to, that I was still mad at Trevor.
From "From the Desk of Zoe Washington" by Janae Marks
