electrify

verb

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

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

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.
Harris electrified the Democratic Party base in August when delegates selected her as the party’s nominee — and the first woman of color nominated to lead a major political party in U.S. history. Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 31 July 2025 This shows how trucks and tractor-trailers are the most quickly growing segment, while the latter category is maturing as municipal governments fully electrify their electric bus fleets and coach sales fall. Earl Carr, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025 During their set, Earth, Wind & Fire electrified the crowd once again and had people boogying for what seemed like ages. Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 27 July 2025 Center fielder Brenton Doyle electrified Coors Field Tuesday night, first with his defense and then with his smile. Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 23 July 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Electrify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electrify. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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