Definition

A serious injury or death caused by electric shock, which can happen accidentally or intentionally.

Example

The worker survived the electrocution but suffered severe injuries.

Conversation

Did you hear about that accident at the construction site?

Yeah, I heard it was a serious case of electrocution.

That's so scary! I can't believe how dangerous those jobs can be.

I know, right? Safety should always come first.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Electrocution is formed from "electro-" (from Greek "ēlektron", meaning amber or electricity) and "-cution" (from Latin "caedere", meaning to cut or kill). The word describes the act of being killed by electric shock.

Memory Tip

Think of 'electricity' ('electro-') causing harm or death ('-cution'), which helps you remember that electrocution refers to death caused by electric shock.

Visually Confused Words