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

Synonyms of electrify

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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.
At one point the Gironde blaze created a black thundercloud, electrified and lit from within, that generated lightning, violent winds and new fires beyond the original front. — ABC News, 29 July 2026 Today, abandoned and reclaimed by nature, it is preserved as a ghost town that once helped electrify the US. — Kieron Marchese, Architectural Digest, 27 July 2026 The history, the rabid fans, and of course, this particular group led by Brunson winning the first title in 53 years, has electrified the city more than the Nets have. — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 27 July 2026 For the latest generation—the sixth since 1994—all RAV4s are electrified. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 16 July 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

Rhymes for electrify

See All Rhymes for electrify

Browse Nearby Words

electrifier
electrify
electroacoustic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Electrify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electrify. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of electrify for Spanish Speakers

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