electrocution

1 execution by electricity [syn: burning]

2 killing by electric shock

English

Etymology

Noun

1. The accidental death or suicide by electric shock.
2. Deliberate execution by electric shock, usually involving an electric chair.

See also

• execution

The term electrocution can mean either:

• murder, accidental death, or suicide by electric shock
• deliberate execution by electric shock, usually involving an electric chair; the word "electrocution" is a portmanteau for "electrical execution"

Electrocution is also frequently used to incorrectly refer to a non-fatal electric shock.

See also

• Capital punishment (death penalty)

beheading, burning, capital punishment, crucifixion, decapitation, decollation, defenestration, execution, fusillade, garrote, gassing, hanging, hemlock, judicial murder, lapidation, necktie party, poisoning, shooting, stoning, strangling, strangulation, the ax, the block, the chair, the gallows, the gas chamber, the guillotine, the hot seat, the rope