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 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 My mother would love Caitlin Clark! Clark, of course, is the basketball phenomenon who is electrifying fans across the country with her deadeye 3-point shooting, mind-blowing passing and exhilarating team play. Susan Koch, The Mercury News, 13 Feb. 2024 Enlarge / Mercedes-Benz has electrified its Sprinter van and given it more range than Ford's E-Transit or the Rivian Delivery Van. Tim Stevens There are plenty of ways for small businesses to celebrate their success. Tim Stevens, Ars Technica, 5 Feb. 2024 The actress electrified the carpet in a lime gown that perfectly complemented her fiery locks. Erin Jensen, USA TODAY, 16 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 19 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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