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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For me, however bonkers, Smith’s electrifying performance has stayed with me. Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 3 Oct. 2025 Such findings defy the zero-sum formulations; indeed, Riofrancos argues, a path to zero emissions that depends on electrifying personal vehicles is the slowest path to that goal (albeit one that might not demand larger societal shifts). Scott W. Stern, The Atlantic, 2 Oct. 2025 In his oddly understated way, David Byrne is one of the most electrifying musicians of the last 50 years. Jem Aswad, Variety, 1 Oct. 2025 The effect in the Drill Hall was electrifying at first, then gradually more frustrating. Justin Davidson, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for electrify

Word History

First Known Use

1745, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of electrify was in 1745

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Electrify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electrify. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

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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