de-energize

verb

de-en·​er·​gize ˌdē-ˈe-nər-ˌjīz How to pronounce de-energize (audio)
de-energized; de-energizing; de-energizes

transitive verb

: to disconnect from a source of electricity : shut off the power to

Examples of de-energize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The utility company’s CEO says Altadena winds were not strong enough to merit de-energizing a powerful electrical transmission line that is now being investigated as a possible ignition point for a fire that devastated a large swath of Altadena. Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2025 The lawsuits each allege the company failed to de-energize all of its electrical equipment despite red flag warnings issued by the National Weather Service. Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 16 Jan. 2025 At least two lawsuits filed blame power company SoCal Edison alleging negligence for its part failing to to de-energize transmission lines. Stephanie Fuerte, NBC News, 16 Jan. 2025 Bridgford said the company failure to de-energize its overhead wires despite a red flag wind warning issued by the National Weather Service makes SCE a likely culprit in the fire. David Goldman, CNN, 13 Jan. 2025 On Friday morning, more than 8,200 customers were without electricity as SDG&E de-energized some circuits in backcountry and mountainous communities such as Alpine, Julian, Jacumba and the Viejas reservation. Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Jan. 2025 The utilities proactively de-energize sections of their network, a process known as public safety power shutoffs, in areas that officials have determined are at the highest risk for fire starts. Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024 Hawaii Electric has said it de-energized its lines after a morning wildfire, which was extinguished, and they were not energized when the afternoon fire broke out that consumed Lahaina. Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 6 Sep. 2023 There's no such thing, some scientists say Drivers waited for hours while crews worked to de-energize the power lines to get them out. Nouran Salahieh, CNN, 8 Aug. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of de-energize was in 1886

Dictionary Entries Near de-energize

Cite this Entry

“De-energize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/de-energize. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

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