electrocute

American  

[ih-lek-truh-kyoot] / ɪˈlɛk trəˌkyut /

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 British  

/ ɪˈlɛktrəˌkjuːt /

verb

1. to kill as a result of an electric shock

2. to execute in the electric chair

---

Other Word Forms

• electrocution noun

Etymology

Origin of electrocute

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

Example Sentences

The week before, his mate was electrocuted on nearby power lines operated by PG&E.

From Los Angeles Times

Pilcher was working last June when one of these recent recruits was electrocuted while working on high-voltage overhead lights, from a scissor lift, without gloves or other required safety equipment.

From The Wall Street Journal

"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

In April, a resident reported multiple birds were possibly electrocuted by a power line in the unincorporated area of Richmond, northeast of San Francisco, according to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office.

From Los Angeles Times