electrocution

American  

[ih-lek-truh-kyoo-shuhn] / ɪˌlɛk trəˈkyu ʃən /

noun

1. death or injury from electricity passing through the body.

   The electrical cord used to light the showers was exposed to standing water, posing risk of electrocution.

   One current source of danger for golden eagles is electrocution on power poles that are not constructed to bird-friendly standards.

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Etymology

Origin of electrocution

An Americanism first recorded in 1885–90; electro- ( def. ) + (exe)cution ( def. )

Example Sentences

At four years old, she was killed by electrocution, an all too common cause of death for large birds of prey.

From Science Daily • Dec. 11, 2025

According to a 2014 analysis of bird deaths across the U.S., electrocution on power lines is a significant cause of bird mortality.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 26, 2025

As usual, she was sharp, disciplined, and able to speak about policy issues instead of ranting about Hannibal Lecter or electrocution sharks.

From Salon • Oct. 24, 2024

"Their electrocution sometimes leads to a massive explosion at the substation. Our AI that's deployed at substations, one of the things that they're detecting is animal intrusions including raccoons and squirrels."

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2024

Supreme Court, where it was argued that electrocution would constitute “cruel and unusual punishment.”

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover