Synonyms

electrocution

American

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

noun

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. )

Vocabulary lists containing electrocution

Frankenwords: Words with Roots from Different Languages

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Still, threats remain: Rat poison, electrocution on power lines, lead poisoning, West Nile virus and avian flu top the list.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 3, 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

Across the bench, Justice Vivek Agarwal reminded her, "The doctor who conducted the post-mortem said there were clear signs of electrocution."

From BBC • Aug. 13, 2025

Vance can speak in complete sentences without rambling about sharks or electrocution.

From Salon • Jul. 31, 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

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023