shorting out
Electrical path breaking
Shorting out describes an electrical malfunction where current flows along an unintended path, typically causing sparks, blown fuses, or equipment failure.
The coffee maker shorted out when water got in the wiring.
Figuratively, someone shorts out when their brain stops functioning properly from overload or confusion: I totally shorted out during the interview and forgot my own phone number.
- malfunctionFailure to operate properly
- snapSudden sharp sound
- overheatingBecoming dangerously warm
- popFizzy drink, regionally
- blowing a fuseLosing control angrily
going haywire · failure · sparks · burn · fault · glitch · electricity · tripped breaker · circuit breaker · smoke · burnt smell · overload · breakdown · electrical discharge · shock · wire · frayed wires · trip
shorting outworking
In active function
running · operating · functioning · performing · firing on all cylinders
short, shorts, shorten, shortened, shortening, shorter, shortest, shortly, shortness