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.
Divisional leader showdown Owners of a 4-1 record thanks largely to quarterback Baker Mayfield’s late-game heroics, which include leading them to four game-winning scores within the final minute of the fourth quarter, the Buccaneers certainly rank among the most electrifying teams in the league. Mike Jones, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025 Irving electrified the league as a fourth-round rookie in 2024, rushing for 1,122 yards and eight touchdowns in his debut NFL season. Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025 The film revisits her legacy, including electrifying performances alongside Jimi Hendrix. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2025 If Ford's goal was to electrify a popular nameplate instead of bringing something untested and unfamiliar to the market, mission accomplished. Charles Singh, USA Today, 9 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 17 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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