electrocution

American  

[ih-lek-truh-kyoo-shuhn] / ɪˌlɛk trəˈkju 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.

---

Etymology

Origin of electrocution

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

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

electrocution

So you had legislators in Texas that talked about that ruling and said, “We can’t have an electrocution in someone’s living room.”

From Slate ● Oct. 6, 2026

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

Amidst the recriminations and finger-pointing from the doctors, scientists, and prison officials, one might have expected the demise of electrocution technology.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---