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.

---

Etymology

Origin of electrocution

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

Example Sentences

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

Mr Knight told Radio Wiltshire the early part of Jason's treatment had been especially difficult as the electrocution had continued to "kill the body" even after the initial shock.

From BBC • May 31, 2024

Besides habitat fragmentation caused by roads, farms and other construction, electrocution by power lines is another major threat to sloths.

From Salon • Mar. 2, 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