electrocution

[ ih-lek-truh-kyoo-shuhn ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of electrocution¹

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

Example Sentences

Some of the stuff has been so shoddy and so sloppy that our soldiers are over there dying in the shower from electrocution.

From The Daily Beast

He says we should shut down, and he and Joel argue over which would be worse: a violent riot or mass electrocution.

From The Daily Beast

There are three men sentenced to electrocution in September and October.

From Project Gutenberg

In my innocence I did my best to carry out his instructions, with the result that I suffered a mild sort of electrocution.

From Project Gutenberg

He was tried speedily, sentenced to electrocution, and executed October 28.

From Project Gutenberg

To invite electrocution by killing men was no part of Anthony Trents practice.

From Project Gutenberg

Electrocution can occur from either low voltage (household type) or high voltage currents.

From Project Gutenberg