electrocution

Everyday

1. Being killed or badly hurt by an electric shock. tree →
2. (law, US history) A way of executing a criminal using the electric chair, used in some US states. tree →

In the lessons

In science and safety lessons, electrocution is the danger of touching live wires, using electrical things near water, or climbing pylons; phrases: «risk of electrocution», «danger of electrocution».

Examples

• Never fly a kite near power lines because of the risk of electrocution. tree →
• Water and electricity together can cause electrocution. tree →
• The sign on the pylon warned of danger of electrocution. tree →
• The electrician turned off the power to avoid electrocution. tree →
• Many birds die by electrocution on power lines. tree →
• Never poke anything into a socket. tree →

Note

Verb: electrocute (electrocuted). Strictly, electrocution means killed, but people often use it for a bad shock. Safety: stay away from substations, railway lines and fallen power cables; call an adult and 999 / 911 / 000 / 111.