electrify

verb elec·tri·fy \ i-ˈlek-trə-ˌfī , ē- \

Definition of electrify

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

See electrify defined for English-language learners

See electrify defined for kids

Examples of electrify in a Sentence

Many of the rural areas still aren't electrified.
The news electrified the nation.

Recent Examples of electrify from the Web

Few players have electrified the nation this season like Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge.

— ryan ford detroit free press, Detroit Free Press, "Behind the numbers: Yankees slugger Aaron Judge’s huge rookie season," 20 Aug. 2017
There have been times through the first six days of Ravens training camp when rookie Taquan Mizzell has electrified observers with his speed and determination between the tackles.

— edward lee, baltimoresun.com, "Undrafted rookie Taquan Mizzell knows he has ‘a limited time’ to sway Ravens coaches," 3 Aug. 2017
Ali himself came from humble beginnings in west Louisville and electrified the world with his boxing heroics and his love for mankind.

— pat mcdonogh, The Courier-Journal, "Makeshift movie theater 'a blessing' in area riddled with crime," 2 Aug. 2017
By 2030, the company aims to electrify 65 percent of its global fleet.

— bengt halvorson, Car and Driver, "Fresh Insight: Standalone Honda Hybrid Due Next Year, Long-Range EV in the Works," 14 July 2017
Audi has also promised that 30 percent of sales will be partially or fully electrified vehicles by 2025.

— alexis c. madrigal, The Atlantic, "All the Promises Automakers Have Made About the Future of Cars," 7 July 2017
About 40 percent of Germany’s rail network is not electrified.

— stanley reed, New York Times, "Hamburg Is Ready to Fill Up With Hydrogen. Customers Aren’t So Sure.," 4 July 2017
But the move is nonetheless a major setback for legislation that has electrified the Democratic party’s progressive flank.

— john myers, latimes.com, "California Politics Podcast: There's a powerful new ally of those who support a sanctuary state," 25 June 2017
The feds held up a $647 million grant to electrify Caltrain, the crowded Bay Area commuter-train system, before finally releasing the funds last month.

— jon talton, The Seattle Times, "Cities, states fight uphill to uphold Paris goals," 16 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'electrify.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of electrify

1745

electrify Synonyms

ELECTRIFY Defined for English Language Learners

electrify

verb

Definition of electrify for English Language Learners

: to pass electricity through (something)
: to supply (an area, building, etc.) with electric power
: to cause (someone) to feel great excitement

ELECTRIFY Defined for Kids

electrify

verb elec·tri·fy \ i-ˈlek-trə-ˌfī \

Definition of electrify for Students

electrified; electrifying

1 :to charge with electricity

an electrified fence

2 :to equip for use of or supply with electric power

Remote regions are still not electrified.

3 :¹thrill

Her performance electrified the audience.

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ELECTRIFY Defined for English Language Learners

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