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Sure, but in practice it's used to mean just being electrically shocked. Words aren't tied to the meaning implied by their etymology.
by machello13 7y ago
Sure, but in practice it's used to mean just being electrically shocked. Words aren't tied to the meaning implied by their etymology.
- revax 7y agoIn French we have two words, "électrisation" for non-lethal shock and "électrocution" for when death occurs.
- ad404b8a372f2b9 7y agoMost people I know still use "éléctrocuté" to describe what happens to them when they get shocked from an electrical outlet.
- OJFord 7y agoI do not find that to be the case in practice, I occasionally here it used like that, but consider it misuse. I suspect a dictionary might accept it as an 'informal' alternative to the main 'death by' definition.
- joshuacc 7y agoNo need to speculate on what a dictionary might say. We can actually consult one. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electrocute https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electrocute
- OJFord 7y agoThank you - it did feel a little silly to type, but I didn't care to search online, nor to get up. Laziness subsided, my Collins (complete, 2016) - which is a rather accepting dictionary of new-fangled words or usages - has only two definitions, both involving death. (1. to kill as a result of electric shock; 2. (US) to execute in an electric chair).