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Electrocution vs Electrocute - What's the difference?

electrocution | electrocute | Related terms |

Electrocution is a related term of electrocute.


As a noun electrocution

is the accidental death or suicide by electric shock.

As a verb electrocute is

to cause death from immediate complications resulting from electric shock.

electrocution

Noun

(en noun)
  • The accidental death or suicide by electric shock.
  • Deliberate execution by electric shock, usually involving an electric chair.
  • (informal, deprecated) A severe electric shock, whether fatal or not.
  • Usage notes

    Formally, the words electrocution'' and ''electrocute'' imply fatality. 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 nonfatal ones.

    See also

    * execution

    electrocute

    English

    Verb

    (electrocut)
  • To cause death from immediate complications resulting from electric shock.
  • He was electrocuted for his crimes.
  • (informal) To inflict a severe electric shock, not necessarily fatally.
  • Usage notes

    Formally, the words electrocute'' and ''electrocution'' always imply fatality. Informally, however, these terms are rather often used to refer to serious but nonfatal electric shocks. Strictly correct usage is to reserve ''electrocute'' and ''electrocution'' for fatal electric shocks, and to use ''shock'' or ''electric shock for nonfatal ones.