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.
Quarterback Jayden Daniels, the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NFL draft, has electrified both the franchise and the fan base and has the Commanders primed for the playoffs for the first time since 2020. Greg Rosenstein, NBC News, 15 Nov. 2024 Multifaceted nose with enticing notes of puff pastry cream dusted with cocoa powder, lemon tart and toasted coconut that is electrified by sea spray notes and marked acidity and has an extraordinarily long finish that is exhilarating. Cathrine Todd, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 The Port of Los Angeles received an unprecedented $400-million grant to electrify operations. Defne Karabatur, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2024 He was forced out of office and the ensuing presidential election electrified the Slovak citizenry like nothing has since the 1989 Velvet Revolution. Will Tizard, Variety, 27 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near electrify

Cite this Entry

“Electrify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electrify. Accessed 22 Nov. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!