Words / B2

i-LEKTR-uh-kyoot/ɪˈlektrəkjuːt/

To electrocute is to injure or kill a person or animal with electric current: electrocuted by; risk of electrocution. Shock is everyday and weaker; strike by lightning is a related event. Do not write electrocute for a static shock. Mix-up: electrocute vs execute; electrocute vs electronic; do not write electrocute for a fuse that only blows with no person injured.

Meaning

To injure or kill a person or animal with electric current.

Examples

• “Do not write electrocute for a static shock; name the voltage if the source gives it.”
• “Electrocution featured in the H&S case, which is still a named incident — quote the control measure.”

Good to know

electrocute; electrocuted by; electrocution. Everyday weaker: electric shock. Trap: execute / a blown fuse with no casualty. Physics and H&S. Current that injures or kills — name the voltage or the control.

Near in meaning

shock, strike with current, kill by electricity

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