electrocutioner

English

Etymology

Blend of electrocution +‎ executioner, or electrocution +‎ -er

Pronunciation

• (General American) IPA^(key): /ɪˌlɛktɹəˈkjuʃənɚ/
• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ɪˌlɛktɹəˈkjuːʃənə/
• Hyphenation: e‧lec‧tro‧cu‧tion‧er

Noun

electrocutioner (plural electrocutioners)

1. an executioner who carries out an execution by means of electricity.
   • U.S. Supreme Court: STATE OF LA. EX REL. FRANCIS v. RESWEBER, 329 U.S. 459 (1947) 329 U.S. 459 STATE OF LOUISIANA ex rel. FRANCIS v. RESWEBER, sheriff, et al. No. 142.

     'Then the electrocutioner turned on the switch and when he did Willie Francis' lips puffed out and he groaned and jumped so that the chair came off the floor. Apparently the switch was turned on twice and then the condemned man yelled: 'Take it off. Let me breath." Affidavit of official witness Harold Resweber, dated May 23, 1946.

   • 1978, The Residents (lyrics and music), “The Electrocutioner”, in Duck Stab/Buster & Glen, performed by Monica Ganas and Snakefinger:

     Smiling as I throw the switch that takes away their breath
     I see life as an interruption to the tune of death

Related terms

• electrocution
• electrocute

Translations

a person who carries out an execution by means of electricity