Electrocute: meaning, definitions and examples
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electrocute
[ ɪˈlɛktrəˌkjuːt ]
medical, injury
To electrocute someone means to injure or kill them by passing an electric current through their body. This generally occurs accidentally when a person comes into contact with an exposed electrical source. The severity of electrocution can vary from mild shock to severe injury or death depending on the voltage and duration of exposure. In many cases, electrocution can cause burns, damage to internal organs, and can disrupt normal heart rhythms.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He was electrocuted while working on the power lines.
- The electrician was nearly electrocuted during the storm.
- She survived the accident but was severely electrocuted.
- The faulty wiring could electrocute anyone who touches it.
Translations
Translations of the word "electrocute" in other languages:
🇵🇹 eletrocutar
🇮🇳 इलेक्ट्रोक्यूट करना
🇩🇪 elektrisieren
🇮🇩 terelectrifikasi
🇺🇦 електрошокувати
🇵🇱 porazić prądem
🇯🇵 感電させる
🇫🇷 électrocuter
🇪🇸 electrocutar
🇹🇷 elektrik çarpmak
🇰🇷 감전시키다
🇸🇦 صعق كهربائي
🇨🇿 elektrocutovat
🇸🇰 elektrošokovať
🇨🇳 电击
🇸🇮 elektrošokirati
🇮🇸 rafmagnsmeiða
🇰🇿 электр тогымен соғу
🇬🇪 ელექტროკუცია
🇦🇿 elektrik şoku
🇲🇽 electrocutar
Etymology
The word 'electrocute' is a blend of 'electric' and 'execute.' The term is believed to have originated in the early 20th century, with its first recorded use appearing around 1889, in the context of the electric chair, which was a method of capital punishment involving electrocution. The combination of 'electric' and 'execute' implied a method of inflicting death through electrical means. Over the years, the term has evolved and is now primarily used to describe any incident of electrical injury, regardless of whether it is fatal or not. The popularity of the word surged alongside the expansion of electrical technology and awareness of electrical hazards in the workplace and at home, leading to its use in both legal and safety contexts.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #40,298, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.