Electrocute

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ɪˈlektrÉ™kjuːt/, /əˈlektrÉ™kjuːt/

Origin

electro-execute

Full definition of electrocute

Verb

1. (transitive) To cause death from immediate complications resulting from electric shock.He was electrocuted for his crimes.
2. (informal) To inflict a severe electric shock, not necessarily fatally.

Usage notes

Formally, the words electrocute and electrocution always imply fatality. Informally, however, these terms are rather often used to refer to serious but nonfatal electric shocks. Strictly correct usage is to reserve electrocute and electrocution for fatal electric shocks, and to use shock or electric shock for nonfatal ones.

Related terms

• electrocution