What does the phrasal verb “short out” mean?

What are the definitions of “short out”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Short circuit.

  The battery SHORTED OUT when it got wet.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “short out”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb short out is to cause a short circuit, which happens when an electrical current flows along an unintended path. This can occur when an electrical device gets wet or when there is a problem with the wiring.

What are the different verb forms of “short out”?

Root Verb	short out
Third Person Singular Present	shorts out
Present Participle	shorting out
Simple Past	shorted out
Past Participle	shorted out

Example

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

Example

The old radio shorts out whenever it rains.

Example

The faulty wiring is shorting out the entire system.

Example

The storm shorted out the power in our neighborhood.

Example

The electrical system has been shorted out due to the flood.

What kind of phrasal verb is “short out”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Intransitive verb

“short out” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.

Example

The computer shorted out after the power surge.

Example

The old television shorted out when it was plugged in.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“short out” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

The computer shorted out after the power surge.

Example

The old television shorted out when it was plugged in.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “short out”?

Short out a fuse

To cause a fuse to blow or stop working due to a short circuit.

Example

The overloaded circuit shorted out the fuse, causing the lights to go out.

Short out a device

To cause an electronic device to stop working due to a short circuit.

Example

The spilled coffee shorted out my laptop, and now it won't turn on.

Short out a circuit

To cause a circuit to stop functioning properly due to a short circuit.

Example

The damaged wiring shorted out the circuit, leading to a power outage.

Good things to know

Does “short out” have an informal or formal tone?

Short out is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in technical discussions about electronics and electrical systems.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “short out”?

Synonyms

• malfunction
• fail
• short circuit
• break down
• fizzle out

Antonyms

• function
• work
• operate
• run
• perform