electrocute

Everyday

To electrocute means to hurt or kill a person or animal with a strong electric shock. tree →

In the lessons

In science and safety lessons, pupils learn not to touch plugs with wet hands, never to put fingers or objects into sockets, never to climb pylons, to stay far away from fallen power lines and to keep electrical things away from water. Phrases: be electrocuted, get electrocuted, risk of electrocution.

Examples

• Never touch a plug with wet hands, or you could be electrocuted. tree →
• Stay away from power lines so you don't get electrocuted. tree →
• Don't use a hairdryer in the bath; you could be electrocuted. tree →
• A worker was electrocuted when he touched a live wire. tree →
• The sign on the substation warns: danger of being electrocuted. tree →
• Never fly a kite near power lines. tree →

Note

Regular verb: electrocuted; noun: electrocution. Strictly, electrocuted means killed by electricity; people often use it to mean badly shocked. If someone is touching a live wire, don't touch them; switch off the power if safe and call the emergency number.