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

Three were seriously injured, one died from electrocution, and another convulsed so violently after being struck by lightning that he tumbled out of the cave and fell to his death from the 8,839-foot precipice.

From Los Angeles Times

Two people died from electrocution and were swept away by the current, in the south-west of Bali in Jembrana Regency, authorities said.

From BBC

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

From BBC

In online chats, torturers explain how they use electrocution to resuscitate a cat in order to prolong suffering.

From BBC

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

From Salon