verb
electrocute
ih-LEHKT-ruhk-yoot
Electrocute (verb) means to kill someone using an electric shock. Example: “The exposed wire nearly electrocuted the repairman.”
verb
1
To kill someone using an electric shock.
"The executioner threw the switch on Old Sparky, and the condemned prisoner was electrocuted for his crimes."
"The exposed wire nearly electrocuted the repairman."
"Her hairdryer fell into the tub while she was bathing, and she was electrocuted."
2
To give someone a severe (not necessarily fatal) electric shock.
"He was electrocuted when he touched the faulty switch, but survived."
How to use electrocute
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo injure or kill by electric shock.
Common mistake
Strictly, "electrocute" implies death — for a non-fatal shock, "shocked" is often more accurate, though informal use covers both.
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- electrocutes
- Past tense
- electrocuted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The exposed wire nearly _____ the repairman.
Etymology
A blend of "electro-" and "execute," coined around the introduction of the electric chair in the late 1800s.
Class of 1800
electrocute joined the language around 1800.
See the full Class of 1800 →
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for electrocute
See all rhymes for 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.
