electrocute
3 synonyms for electrocute, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To kill someone using an electric shock.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To kill someone using an electric shock.
“The executioner threw the switch on Old Sparky, and the condemned prisoner was electrocuted for his crimes.”
Etymology
A blend of "electro-" and "execute," coined around the introduction of the electric chair in the late 1800s.
Full origin of electrocute →Frequently asked questions
What does “electrocute” mean?
The word “electrocute” means to kill someone using an electric shock. In plain terms, to injure or kill by electric shock.
How do you pronounce “electrocute”?
“Electrocute” is pronounced ih-LEHKT-ruhk-yoot (/ɪˈlɛktɹəkjuːt/ in IPA).
How do you use “electrocute” in a sentence?
Here is “electrocute” used in a sentence: “The exposed wire nearly electrocuted the repairman.”
What part of speech is “electrocute”?
“Electrocute” is a verb.
Where does the word “electrocute” come from?
The word “electrocute” dates back to around 1800. A blend of "electro-" and "execute," coined around the introduction of the electric chair in the late 1800s.
How many meanings does “electrocute” have?
“Electrocute” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to kill someone using an electric shock.
