short-circuit

Definition

Verb (Transitive & Intransitive):
- To cause an electrical circuit to malfunction by creating a low-resistance connection: This occurs when electricity takes an unintended, shorter path, often causing a failure or a dangerous situation like a spark or fire.
- To bypass a process, rule, or usual procedure: To avoid something, especially something seen as tedious, lengthy, or unpleasant, by taking a quicker or unauthorized route.
- To hamper, impede, or abruptly stop a process or feeling: To cause something to end prematurely or to be interrupted.

Usage and Examples

Electrical Fault:
- A frayed wire can short-circuit the entire system.
- The appliance stopped working after it short-circuited.
Bypassing a Process:
- He tried to short-circuit the approval process by going directly to the director.
- This software feature short-circuits several manual steps.
Impeding or Halting:
- The bitter argument short-circuited their plans for cooperation.
- Her cynical remark short-circuited my enthusiasm.

Advanced Usage

Logical Short-Circuit (in computing): In programming, "short-circuit evaluation" refers to halting the evaluation of a logical expression as soon as the overall result is known.
- In the expression (a != null && a.value > 10), if a is null, the evaluation short-circuits and a.value is never checked, preventing an error.

Variants and Related Words

Short Circuit (Noun): The fault or event itself.
- The fire was caused by an electrical short circuit.
Short-Circuited (Adjective): Describing a state resulting from the verb.
- We are dealing with a short-circuited logic board.

Synonyms

Bypass: To avoid or go around.
Circumvent: To find a way around an obstacle or rule.
Impede: To delay or block progress.
Override: To use authority to disregard a normal process.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Idioms

(Note: "Short-circuit" itself functions as a phrasal verb. Common idiomatic uses are covered in the definitions above.) - To short out: A more informal phrasal verb with a similar meaning, primarily for electrical faults. - The old lights keep shorting out.

Verb

avoid something unpleasant or laborious
- You cannot bypass these rules!
create a short circuit in
hamper the progress of; impede
- short-circuit warm feelings

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Từ chứa "short-circuit"

short circuit