electrocute
pronunciation
How to pronounce electrocute in British English:
UK [ɪˈlektrəkju:t]
How to pronounce electrocute in American English:
US [ɪˈlɛktrəˌkjut]
-
- Verb:
- kill by electric shock
- kill by electrocution, as in the electric chair
Word Origin
- electrocute (v.)
- "execute by electricity," 1889, American English, from electro- + back half of execute. The method first was used Aug. 6, 1890, in New York state, on William Kemmler, convicted of the murder of his common-law wife. In reference to accidental death by 1909. Electric chair is also first recorded 1889, the year the one used on Kemmler was introduced in New York as a humane alternative to hanging. Related: Electrocuted; electrocuting.
Example
- 1. Don 't touch that wire , you 'll electrocute yourself .
- 2. A razor that issafe in europe is unlikely electrocute americans .
- 3. It looks like they 're gonna electrocute him .
- 4. I guess they 'll probably electrocute me , won 't they ?
- 5. And electrocute the darlings .