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Electrocuted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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electrocuted

[ɪˈlɛktrəˌkjutɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

extreme injury

Electrocuted is the past tense of the verb 'electrocute,' which means to injure or kill someone by electric shock. This typically happens when a person comes into contact with a live electrical current, resulting in severe bodily harm or even death. The severity of the electrocution can depend on various factors, such as the voltage of the electrical source and the duration of contact. It is a term often used in safety regulations and reports of electrical accidents.

Synonyms

killed by electricity, shocked, zapped.

Examples of usage

  • He was electrocuted while fixing the wiring.
  • The worker was electrocuted when the power line fell.
  • She narrowly escaped being electrocuted during the storm.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Safety

  • Every year, thousands of people suffer from electric shocks, but many can be prevented with proper safety measures.
  • Staying away from water while using electrical appliances can greatly reduce the risk of being electrocuted.

Pop Culture

  • Electrocution is a common theme in horror and thriller movies, often used to depict a dramatic and fatal incident.
  • Famous electrical accidents have been dramatized in films and television, influencing public perception about the dangers of electricity.

Science

  • An electric shock occurs when current passes through the body; severity depends on voltage, current path, and duration of exposure.
  • The human body is a good conductor of electricity due to its water content, making it vulnerable to electric shocks.

Psychology

  • Studies show that people's fear of electricity often stems from understanding its invisible yet powerful nature.
  • The concept of being electrocuted can create anxiety in individuals, influencing behavior around electrical devices.

Origin of 'electrocuted'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from a combination of 'electricity' and 'executed', first used in the late 19th century.
  • Initially, it was used to describe the method of execution using electric chairs, highlighting the fatal consequences of an electric shock.

The term 'electrocute' is a blend of the prefix 'electro-' referring to electricity, and the word 'execute.' It first appeared in the early 20th century, particularly with the advent of electrical chair executions in the United States. The word was created to describe the act of causing a death via electric shock – a method that raised significant ethical concerns. The root 'electro-' comes from the Greek word 'ēlektron,' meaning amber, which is associated with static electricity. The usage of 'electrocute' evolved over time from a legal and penal context to a broader application in various electrical accident reports, highlighting the dangers of electricity in everyday life. Today, it encompasses both fatal and non-fatal electric shocks, emphasizing the serious nature of electrical safety.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,881 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.