electrify

[ih-lek-truh-fahy]

verb (used with object)

electrified, electrifying 

1. to charge with or subject to electricity; apply electricity to.

2. to supply (a region, community, etc.) with electric power.

   The valley wasn't electrified until 1936.

3. to equip for the use of electric power, as a railroad.

4. to excite greatly; thrill.

   to electrify an audience.

   Synonyms: dazzle, rouse, stir

electrify

/ ɪˈlɛktrɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. to adapt or equip (a system, device, etc) for operation by electrical power

2. to charge with or subject to electricity

3. to startle or excite intensely; shock or thrill

Other Word Forms

• electrification noun
• electrifier noun
• nonelectrification noun
• nonelectrified adjective
• proelectrification adjective
• reelectrification noun
• reelectrify verb (used with object)
• unelectrified adjective
• unelectrifying adjective
• electrifiable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of electrify¹

First recorded in 1735–45; electr- + -ify

Example Sentences

It looks like a spaceship has landed on the North Yorkshire moors, surrounded by sheep, an electrified perimeter fence and razor wire.

From BBC

Pointing out that Anderson hasn’t won a trophy yet despite 11 nominations, Katie Walsh says, “The bracing, electrifying and stunningly prescient ‘One Battle After Another’ feels like his moment.”

From Los Angeles Times

"This is a really challenging thing to do, electrifying aviation and removing the carbon," said Mr Stabler.

From BBC

The truck makers who broke their word can still step up to electrify trucks.

From Los Angeles Times

Mejia, a young leftist who electrified the typically staid race for controller in 2022, announced his own reelection bid earlier this month.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• amaze 
• animate 
• astonish 
• astound 
• disturb 
• energize 
• excite 
• galvanize 
• invigorate 
• jolt 
• rouse 
• startle 
• stir 
• stun