Wiktionary

electrocution

See also: électrocution

English

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Etymology

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Blend of electro- +‎ execution.[1] By surface analysis, electrocute +‎ -ion.

Coined in the US around 1888, in relation to the introduction of the electric chair (see quotes).

Pronunciation

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Noun

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electrocution (countable and uncountable, plural electrocutions)

  1. (originally) Deliberate execution by electric shock, usually involving an electric chair.
    Synonym: electrothanasia — rare, archaic
    • 1890 August 23, “Weekly notes”, in The American‎[1], volume 524, Robert Ellison, page 370:
      A correspondent of The American has taken exception to the use, in a recent paragraph in this column, of the word “electrocution.” The writer of the paragraph referred to is conscious that the word, like other etymological hybrids, lacks euphony and consistency; but during the formative period succeeding the introduction of a new idea not yet provided with a verbal exponent, the safest course is to follow general popular usage. The idea must be expressed, and the choice lies between a cumbrous word and a cumbrous sentence, the former of which seems the lesser evil. “Electrocution” has been widely used, even by scientific men, while the only plausible alternative thus far suggested—“electrothany”—though possessing the merit of unmixed ancestry, is inadequate in that it carries no penal signification.
    • 1890 September, “Electrocution or Electrothanasia.”, in American Druggists' Circular and Chemical Gazette‎[2], page 214:
      Electrothanasia is the new word which is proposed as a substitute for the bungling word “electrocution,” which does not express what it is used for, while the word suggested in place of it, though of Greek origin, expresses exactly what we mean when death is produced by electric action. At the same time it is a very ancient word for modern people to use, and it is an open question whether it will be generally acceptable, should execution by electricity be commonly adopted.
  2. The accidental death or suicide by electric shock.
    The faulty wiring caused the unfortunate worker’s accidental electrocution.
  3. (informal, proscribed) A severe electric shock, whether fatal or not.

Usage notes

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Formally, the words electrocution and electrocute imply fatality (and originally referred specifically to judicial execution, although the latter distinction has fallen out of use). Informally, however, these terms are sometimes used to refer to serious but nonfatal electric shocks. Preferred usage is to normally reserve electrocution for fatal electric shocks, and to use shock or electric shock for non-fatal ones.

Derived terms

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Translations

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ “electrocution, n.”, in OED Online  ⁠, Oxford: Oxford University Press, launched 2000.
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