[f. ELECTR-IC + -(I)FY.]
1. trans. To charge a body with electricity, or pass the electric current through it; to subject (a person) to an electric shock or current.
1747. Franklin, Lett., Wks. 1840, V. 188. We electrify … a book that has a double line of gold round upon the covers.
1765. Wesley, Jrnl., 26 Dec. (1827), III. 233. Being electrified morning and evening, my lameness mended.
c. 1796. Imison, Sch. Arts, I. 41. The body is said to be electrified, and is capable of exhibiting appearances which are ascribed to the power of electricity.
1830. Sir J. Herschel, Stud. Nat. Phil., II. vi. (1851), 150. Quicksilver electrified under a conducting fluid.
1885. Watson & Burbury, Math. Th. Electr. & Magn., I. 76. The inside will be resinously electrified.
2. fig. To startle, rouse, excite, as though with the shock of electricity.
1752. Chesterf., Lett., 285, III. 308. You will not be so agreeably electrified … as you were at Manheim.
1794. Burke, trans. Addr. Brissot to Constit., 73 (R.). Those heights of courage which electrify an army and ensure victory.
1870. Emerson, Soc. & Solit., Eloq., Wks. (Bohn), III. 37. An audience is electrified.
