electrify

[ ih-lek-truh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

, e·lec·tri·fied, e·lec·tri·fy·ing.

1. to charge with or subject to electricity; apply electricity to.
2. to supply (a region, community, etc.) with electric power:

   The valley wasn't electrified until 1936.

3. to equip for the use of electric power, as a railroad.
4. to excite greatly; thrill:

   to electrify an audience.

   Synonyms: dazzle, rouse, stir

electrify

/ ɪˈlɛktrɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. to adapt or equip (a system, device, etc) for operation by electrical power
2. to charge with or subject to electricity
3. to startle or excite intensely; shock or thrill

Derived Forms

• eˈlectriˌfier, noun
• eˈlectriˌfiable, adjective
• eˌlectrifiˈcation, noun

Other Words From

• e·lectri·fi·cation noun
• e·lectri·fier noun
• none·lectri·fi·cation noun
• none·lectri·fied adjective
• proe·lectri·fi·cation adjective
• ree·lectri·fi·cation noun
• ree·lectri·fy verb (used with object) reelectrified reelectrifying
• une·lectri·fied adjective
• une·lectri·fying adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of electrify¹

First recorded in 1735–45; electr- + -ify

Example Sentences

By employing nickel atoms laid out on an electrified surface, the team was able to directly convert carbamate, the captured form of carbon dioxide, to methane.

From Science Daily

And with the film’s electrifying final song, “Defying Gravity” — which also serves as the closing number for the musical’s first act — Erivo delivers a jaw-dropping, applause-worthy performance worth the price of admission alone.

From Salon

We also get a broad, electrifying sampling of the era’s freedom jams, be they from our shore’s turntables and radios or the African rumba scene.

From Los Angeles Times

Sam Farmer’s pick: The Rams have three electrifying receivers, and Stafford looks like his best self.

From Los Angeles Times

Current diesel-electric trains are designed to draw their power from overhead lines on electrified sections of track.

From BBC

Related Words

• amaze
• animate
• astonish
• astound
• disturb
• energize
• excite
• galvanize
• invigorate
• jolt
• rouse
• startle
• stir
• stun