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Phrasal verbs "burn out" vs "short out"

Differences between burn out and short out

Burn out is used to describe the state of something that has stopped working due to overuse or overheating, while short out is used to describe an electrical circuit that has stopped working due to a sudden surge of electricity.

Meanings and Definitions: burn out vs short out

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Burn out

  • 1Lose enthusiasm and energy to continue in a demanding job.

    Jennie BURNT OUT after ten years working as a futures broker and went to live in the country.

Short out

  • 1Short circuit.

    The battery SHORTED OUT when it got wet.

Usage Examples: burn out, short out in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

burn out

Example

Many people burn out after working long hours for years.

Example

He burns out quickly when he takes on too many projects.

short out

Example

If you spill water on your phone, it might short out.

Example

The old radio shorts out whenever it rains.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Burn out

wear out

To become unusable or ineffective due to overuse or age.

Example

Her favorite pair of shoes wore out after years of daily use.

run down

To become exhausted or depleted of energy or resources.

Example

After working long hours for weeks, he felt run down and needed a break.

fizzle out

To gradually lose power or intensity until it stops completely.

Example

The party fizzled out after midnight when most guests left.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Short out

blow a fuse

To suddenly lose one's temper or become extremely angry.

Example

When he found out that his car had been towed, he blew a fuse and started yelling at the parking attendant.

trip a circuit breaker

To cause a circuit breaker to switch off due to an overload of electricity.

Example

When she turned on the hair dryer, it tripped the circuit breaker and all the lights went out.

power surge

A sudden increase in the amount of electricity flowing through an electrical circuit.

Example

During a thunderstorm, a power surge damaged several electronic devices in the house.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “burn”

Phrasal Verbs with “out”

Differences in burn out vs short out: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: burn out or short out?

In everyday conversation, burn out is more common than short out. This is because burn out can be used to describe a wider range of objects such as light bulbs, car engines, and people who are exhausted. On the other hand, short out is mainly used in technical contexts related to electricity and electronics.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of burn out and short out

Burn out and short out are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. However, short out may be used in more technical or scientific contexts, making it slightly more formal than burn out.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of burn out and short out

The tone of burn out and short out can differ based on context. Burn out often carries a negative or frustrated tone when related to people or objects that have stopped working, while short out typically has a more neutral or technical tone, especially when referring to electrical circuits.

burn out & short out: Synonyms and Antonyms

Short out

Synonyms

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