electrocution
/ɪˌlɛktɹəˈkjuːʃən/ noun
Forms electrocutions
- noun (originally) Deliberate execution by electric shock, usually involving an electric chair.
- noun The accidental death or suicide by electric shock. “The faulty wiring caused the unfortunate worker’s accidental electrocution.”
- noun (informal, proscribed) A severe electric shock, whether fatal or not.
Synonyms
Etymology
Blend of electro- + execution. By surface analysis, electrocute + -ion.
Coined in the US around 1888, in relation to the introduction of the electric chair (see quotes).
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 — from the Wiktionary entry “electrocution”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details