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.

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electrocute British  

/ ɪˈlɛktrəˌkjuːt /

verb

1. to kill as a result of an electric shock

2. to execute in the electric chair

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Other Word Forms

• electrocution noun

Etymology

Origin of electrocute

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

Example Sentences

A company has been charged over the death of a five-a-side footballer who was electrocuted at a leisure centre in 2016.

From BBC

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

Behind her, dancers gyrate like victims being electrocuted.

From Los Angeles Times

"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