Electrocution
WordNet
noun
(1) Killing by electric shock
(2) Execution by electricity
WiktionaryText
Noun
- The accidental death or suicide by electric shock.
- Deliberate execution by electric shock, usually involving an electric chair.
- A severe electric shock, whether fatal or not.
Usage notes
Formally, the words electrocute and electrocution always imply fatality. Informally, however, these terms are sometimes used to refer to serious but nonfatal electric shocks. Correct usage is to reserve electrocute and electrocution for fatal electric shocks, and to use shock or electric shock for nonfatal ones.