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 But electrifying almost everything is a formidable task. Coral Davenport, New York Times, 29 Aug. 2023 But even the Panamera is electrified, with the hybrid versions serving as the flagships once again. Car and Driver, 22 Aug. 2023 For Brij Singh, electrifying John Deere’s heavy-duty vehicles reflects his past. IEEE Spectrum, 22 Aug. 2023 But forward thinkers in other industries are also considering how IRA incentives can help their bottomline, from tax deductions for energy efficiency in retail space to tax credits for electrifying fleet vehicles. Justin Worland, Time, 11 Aug. 2023 China has been making a big push to electrify its transport infrastructure. Olesya Dmitracova, CNN, 1 Sep. 2023 Phoenix is also taking steps like electrifying city buses. Jake Frederico, The Arizona Republic, 31 Aug. 2023 Ford's decision to electrify America's best-selling pickup stands out as one of the company's most forward-thinking choices of late, and it's paid off: 50% of F-150 buyers have never owned a truck before, Ford says. Emily Dreibelbis, PCMAG, 24 Aug. 2023 That is bravado — the sort of bring-it-on bluster that electrifies a Trump rally. Peter Baker, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2023 See More

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 25 Sep. 2023.

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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