electrocution

Noun

electrocution (countable and uncountable, plural electrocutions)

1. (originally) Deliberate execution by electric shock, usually involving an electric chair.
   • A correspondent of The American has taken exception to the use, in a recent paragraph in this column, of the word “electrocution.” The writer of the paragraph referred to is conscious that the word, like other etymological hybrids, lacks euphony and consistency; but during the formative period...1890 August 23, “Weekly notes”, in The American, volume 524, Robert Ellison, page 370
   • Electrothanasia is the new word which is proposed as a substitute for the bungling word “electrocution,” which does not express what it is used for, while the word suggested in place of it, though of Greek origin, expresses exactly what we mean when death is produced by electric action. At the same...1890 September, “Electrocution or Electrothanasia.”, in American Druggists' Circular and Chemical Gazette, page 214

   Synonyms:

   electrothanasia

2. The accidental death or suicide by electric shock.
   • The faulty wiring caused the unfortunate worker’s accidental electrocution.
3. (informal, proscribed) A severe electric shock, whether fatal or not.