electrify

verb

elec·​tri·​fy i-ˈlek-trə-ˌfī How to pronounce electrify (audio)
ē-
electrified; electrifying
Synonyms of electrifynext

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.
Meanwhile, Lamar’s electrifying Super Bowl halftime performance was named outstanding short-form series or special – reality/nonfiction/documentary. Angelique Jackson, Variety, 24 Feb. 2026 Quivering along the frill of brownish gray and whitish yellow stripes skirting her foot, the epipodial tentacles are pale silver and waving, numbering over a hundred, electrifying her whole body with tastes, smells, vibrations from above, behind, everywhere. Literary Hub, 23 Feb. 2026 The 2026 Winter Olympics wrapped up in thrilling fashion Sunday with the USA men's hockey team getting the gold by beating Canada in overtime — days after the USA women's hockey team also beat the Canadians in an electrifying come-from-behind victory to win gold. Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 23 Feb. 2026 Mazda’s engineers designed the -Z to be electrified from the get-go, so the amount of electrification is fairly flexible. New Atlas, 23 Feb. 2026 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 25 Feb. 2026.

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

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