A short circuit is an electrical malfunction that occurs when a circuit is connected to a voltage source, allowing current to flow in an unintended path. The three crossword solutions for the term 'short circuit' are REV (3 letters), THWART (6 letters), and RTE (3 letters). REV stands for reverse, which is the opposite of the intended direction of current flow in a circuit. THWART means to obstruct or prevent, which is what happens when a short circuit occurs. RTE stands for route, which is the unintended path of current flow in a short circuit.