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View synonyms for short circuit

short circuit

1

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.


short-circuit

2

[ shawrt-sur-kit ]

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.

verb (used without object)

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

short circuit

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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)
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

short circuit

/ 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.


short circuit

  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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Word History and Origins

Origin of short circuit1

First recorded in 1875–80

Origin of short circuit2

First recorded in 1870–75
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Example Sentences

What eludes investigators is what triggered the short circuit.

This sort of sustained engagement can short-circuit racially triggered instances of the confirmation bias, wrote Dobbin.

The post concluded, “Question: short memory or short-circuit?”

I watched Islamaphobes tiny brains short circuit when they realized the suspects were white and Muslim.

“Stuff goes wrong and people short-circuit, for sure,” Van Tassell says.

No, sir, but Im inclined to think it is the insulation that has worn and caused a short circuit somewhere.

I left there as soon as you did, right after the short circuit, said Jarrold, turning red under Jacks direct gaze.

What would you do if a short circuit developed while on the road?

Short-circuit something, that was the idea, create a confusion—and trust to escaping in the midst of it?

It would not necessarily short-circuit the current and the damage would be too readily laid at his door.

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