electrocute

[ ih-lek-truh-kyoot ]

verb (used with object)

, e·lec·tro·cut·ed, e·lec·tro·cut·ing.

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

Derived Forms

• eˌlectroˈcution, noun

Other Words From

• e·lec·tro·cu·tion [ih-lek-tr, uh, -, kyoo, -sh, uh, n], 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

In May 2020, Matt Schmidt, a construction worker, was electrocuted trying fractal wood burning in his garage.

From MIT Technology Review

Almost 80 people died, most of them drowned in their vehicles, electrocuted, or crushed under collapsed buildings.

From MIT Technology Review

On June 19, 1953, Ethel Rosenberg was electrocuted, having been found guilty of conspiracy to commit espionage on behalf of the Soviet Union.

From Time

He also built shocking devices in middle school consisting of a box with two wires attached that would electrocute its user.

From The Daily Beast

A strong electric shock may of course electrocute a plant by killing the cells.

From Project Gutenberg

"Thar's a cayuse in thar thet I'd plumb like ter electrocute," said Bud, who was mad clear through.

From Project Gutenberg

We electrocute the Italian and print pictures of the wheat speculator in our magazines as an example of Success.

From Project Gutenberg

And if you make any sudden moves you are liable to break a phone, electrocute yourself or choke to death.

From Project Gutenberg

The man in the control room had frustrated the attempt to electrocute us.

From Project Gutenberg