short-circuit

verb

ˈshȯrt-ˈsər-kət How to pronounce short-circuit (audio)
Definition of short-circuitnext
as in to impede
to create difficulty for the work or activity of for decades the maverick filmmaker was short-circuited by a chronic lack of funds

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of short-circuit Rent control short-circuits this process and discourages renovation and investment. — Editorial, Boston Herald, 27 May 2026 The Spurs helped their young star by using different sets than the ones the Knicks had short-circuited in the first two games, creating more spacing for their guards to get two feet into the paint. — David Aldridge, New York Times, 10 June 2026 Trump and Kushner's real estate offensive, opaquely managed and crowded with fixers and still faceless figures, short-circuits with geopolitical and military ones, fuels suspicions and conspiracy theories. — Marzio G. Mian, Vanity Fair, 16 June 2026 According to a recall notice published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on May 21, the front passenger seat weight sensor in certain Honda and Acura vehicles may crack and short-circuit. — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 30 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for short-circuit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for short-circuit
  1. impede
  2. hinder
  3. hamper
  4. obstruct
  5. embarrass
Verb
  • Health care workers who impede these rituals for infection-control reasons often face hostility and violence; clinics have been attacked and burned down during this outbreak, furthering viral spread.
    — Alice Park, Time, 2 July 2026
  • These vehicles were blocking and impeding fire operations, and several were non-operational and required tow truck assistance for removal.
    — Jeff Nguyen, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Definition of impede
Verb
  • He was charged with hindering apprehension, obstruction of justice and tampering with evidence in connection with this case.
    — Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 2 July 2026
  • The Great American State Fair kicked off last week, though the 16-day event has been hindered by weather shutdowns, technical difficulties and low attendance.
    — Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of hinder
Verb
  • The decision severely hampered local planning for America’s 250th anniversary, disrupting history projects, museums and educational programs nationwide.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • Chwalińska took a medical timeout for the injury at the end of the game, and she was clearly hampered by it for the rest of the match.
    — Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 3 July 2026
Definition of hamper
Verb
  • Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 5 July 2026
  • Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.
    — KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
Definition of obstruct
Verb
  • At one point, the narrator, embarrassed by his own act of cruelty, gives a sobbing woman all his money and then leaves her alone in a hotel room.
    — Hannah Jocelyn, New Yorker, 1 July 2026
  • Ukraine has carried out major drone strikes on Russia’s two largest cities, embarrassing the Kremlin with images of black plumes of smoke that circulated widely online, despite regulations restricting their publication.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 July 2026
Definition of embarrass

Browse Nearby Words

shortchanging
short-circuit
short-circuited
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Short-circuit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/short-circuit. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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