electrify

verb

elec·​tri·​fy i-ˈlek-trə-ˌfī How to pronounce electrify (audio)
ē-
electrified; electrifying

transitive verb

1
a
: to charge with electricity
b(1)
: to equip for use of electric power
(2)
: to supply with electric power
(3)
: to amplify (music) electronically
2
: to excite intensely or suddenly
the news electrified the nation

Examples of electrify in a Sentence

Many of the rural areas still aren't electrified. The news electrified the nation.
Recent Examples on the Web The company will also put more of an emphasis on hybrid models going forward and is targeting half of its sales being electrified, but not all-electric, by the end of the decade. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 29 Feb. 2024 Oil and gas would still help with transport and power some sectors that are generally seen as difficult to electrify, like shipping and aviation. Chico Harlan, Washington Post, 6 Feb. 2024 At its best, the gym’s speakers strike the right tenor of censored music that can electrify a team and crowd for a big game. Sam Cohn, Baltimore Sun, 29 Jan. 2024 Ashley Graham, radiant in violet velvet, electrified the room with her distinctive laugh and famous smile. Ian Malone, Vogue, 4 Mar. 2024 Her dramatic appearance electrified a conference already consumed with the threat posed by a revanchist Russia. Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 17 Feb. 2024 And to know Jason as my friend and brother in music is nothing short of humbling and electrifying all at the same time. Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 7 Feb. 2024 Ecolab will purchase the vehicles from Ford Pro for the initial push to electrify its California fleet. Detroit Free Press, 30 Jan. 2024 Every surface trembled, electrified by her attention. Leslie Jamison, The New Yorker, 15 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'electrify.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1745, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of electrify was in 1745

Dictionary Entries Near electrify

Cite this Entry

“Electrify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electrify. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

electrify

verb
elec·​tri·​fy i-ˈlek-trə-ˌfī How to pronounce electrify (audio)
electrified; electrifying
1
a
: to charge with electricity
b
: to equip for use of electric power or supply with electric power
2
: to cause to feel great or sudden excitement : thrill
electrified the audience
electrification
-ˌlek-trə-fə-ˈkā-shən
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on electrify

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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