electrocute

[ih-lek-truh-kyoot]

verb (used with object)

electrocuted, electrocuting 

1. to kill by electricity.

2. to execute (a criminal) by electricity, as in an electric chair.

3. to pass an electric current through; shock.

   The toaster burned my toast and then electrocuted me when I tried to unplug it.

electrocute

/ ɪˈlɛktrəˌkjuːt /

verb

1. to kill as a result of an electric shock

2. to execute in the electric chair

Other Word Forms

• electrocution noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of electrocute¹

An Americanism first recorded in 1885–90; electro- + (exe)cute

Word History and Origins

Origin of electrocute¹

C19: from _electro- + (exe)cute

Example Sentences

"If I'd still been on the street, I wouldn't have been able to reach higher ground. There were lots of objects floating in the water. I could have been hit or even electrocuted."

From BBC

Myers said he worries the high-voltage lines could spark wildfires or electrocute people operating farm machinery nearby.

From Salon

They include footage of cats being drowned and electrocuted.

From BBC

A man who Edison said was attempting to steal equipment had climbed the pole and been electrocuted, according to commission documents.

From Los Angeles Times

A man fleeing from police was electrocuted and then hit by a London Underground train which was searching for him, his inquest has heard.

From BBC