Electrify
/ɪˈlɛk.trɪ.faɪ/noun
To make something electrically charged or to excite or energize dramatically.
Did you know?Electrify comes from the same ancient root behind “electric,” which was first tied to amber because rubbing it could produce static charge — an early clue that words can preserve old discoveries like spells.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ēlektron
“Amber; a golden fossil resin known for producing static electricity when rubbed”
Late Latin
Latin
electricus
“Of amber, or like amber; capable of attracting after friction”
1600s
English
electric
“Relating to amber or the force associated with it”
19th Century
English
electrify
“To charge with electricity; to make electrically operative”
Modern English
English
electrify
“To make electrically charged or to excite intensely”