Traditionally, electrocution meant death. Electric shock or shock meant injury. It was a life and death difference.
Because of possible confusion of the word “shock” being associated with: (1) shock without injury (2) static electricity shock (3) low level induced electrical shock (4) mental shock (5) physical shock, or (6) thermal shock, for example, the word “electrocution” has evolved to mean death or injury from exposure to electricity.
Thus, the phrase “electric shock” or the word “shock” has evolved to be associated with something other than death or injury, although not used that way throughout literature such as in NFPA 70E (Electrical Safety in the Workplace).
Establishing clarity between the meanings of electrocution, electric shock, and shock is helpful to the people involved in the jurisprudence [legal] system including jurors.
The investigative engineer determines whether conditions were suitable for electrocution (or an electric shock) to occur. A qualified person such as a doctor determines whether electrocution occurred.
There are doctors that specialize in the evaluation of electrical injuries.
As a matter of information, in 2024, the word “electric” was placed before “shock” to help ensure consistent use of the term in NFPA 70E which now uses the phrase electric shock consistently rather than shock. Electrocution, electric shock, or shock are not defined in the 100 Definitions part of the 2024 edition of NPFA 70E.