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.
Does the thought of a new Young Frankenstein, um, electrify you? Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 25 June 2025 Newsweek Sports published a report in April suggesting that while NASCAR has no plans to electrify the Cup Series, David Ragan, the development driver of NASCAR's electric vehicle project, revealed an interesting trend that could hint at a step away from tradition in the future. Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025 Catalyzing industrial electrification today No one-size-fits-all policy package exists to electrify the industrial sector, and each sub-industry and jurisdiction faces unique challenges and priorities. Forbes.com, 22 June 2025 His condemnation of authoritarianism electrified the audience, earning a standing ovation and setting a reflective tone that remained all week. Jamie Lang, Variety, 20 June 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 30 Jun. 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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