electrify

verb

elec·​tri·​fy i-ˈlek-trə-ˌfī How to pronounce electrify (audio)
ē-
electrified; electrifying
Synonyms of electrify

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.
The Clean Energy Choice Act, introduced by Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park), requires utilities to offer homeowners a financial incentive to disconnect from gas and electrify the home when gas service line repairs are scheduled. — Molly McCrea, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 Hicks drove the next pitch to right-center for a 3-0 lead, electrifying the towel-waving, cowbell-ringing crowd of 32,125 fans at Tropicana Field. — Rob Maaddi, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026 While the resulting hydrogen can help decarbonize industries that are difficult to electrify directly, its wider adoption has been constrained by its cost compared with hydrogen produced from fossil fuels. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026 To electrify their countries, governments will need to invest in power generation, transmission lines, and transformers. — Jared Cohen, Foreign Affairs, 7 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 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
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