/shawrt'serr"kit/ , v.t.
1. Elect.
a. to make (an appliance, switch, etc.) inoperable by establishing a short circuit in.
b. to carry (a current) as a short circuit.
2. to bypass, impede, hinder, or frustrate: Bad weather short-circuited my vacation plans.
v.i.
3. Elect. to form a short circuit or become inoperable due to a short circuit.
[ 1870-75 ]