de-energize

American  

[dee-en-er-jahyz] / diˈɛn ərˌdʒaɪz /

especially British, de-energise

verb (used with object)

de-energized, de-energizing

1. to deprive of electrical energy or exhaust the electrical energy from.

   Turning off the ignition de-energizes the spark plugs.

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de-energize British  

/ diːˈɛnəˌdʒaɪz /

verb

1. (tr) electrical engineering to disconnect (an electrical circuit) from its source

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Other Word Forms

• de-energization noun

Etymology

Origin of de-energize

First recorded in 1885–90; de- + energize ( def. )

Example Sentences

The complaint points to the utility’s failure to de-energize its transmission lines that night, as well as its decision to leave up a decommissioned line that hadn’t carried electricity for decades.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 28, 2026

“We needed to de-energize the power because of accelerated ground movement causing unsafe and dangerous conditions,” said Reggie Kumar, another SCE spokesperson.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 2, 2024

Afterwards, the local Salt River Project power utility was called to de-energize the pole.

From Washington Times • Dec. 7, 2023

The project required Metro to coordinate with Pepco, which will de-energize power transmission lines 15 feet above the station canopies.

From Washington Post • Jan. 28, 2023

The passive and contemplative following of thought, my own or other people's, must not de-energize my sympathies and my will.

From Julia Ward Howe 1819-1910 by Elliott, Maud Howe