shock
shock Lexical Profile
shock Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A sudden, unexpected, and intense psychological or emotional disturbance, often caused by distressing news or an extreme event.
"The sudden resignation of the chief executive came as a massive shock to the entire company."
A violent physical impact, sudden jolt, or collision, such as one produced by an explosion or earthquake.
"The shock of the earthquake was intensely felt by residents over a hundred miles away from the epicenter."
A severe, life-threatening medical condition characterized by a sudden drop in blood pressure and inadequate blood flow to the body's tissues.
"After the severe traffic collision, the victim was immediately treated for hemorrhagic shock in the emergency room."
• verb
To cause someone to feel intense surprise, horror, disgust, or emotional distress.
"The documentary's graphic footage was intended to shock viewers into taking immediate action on environmental conservation."
To subject a person or animal to a sudden flow of electric current.
"The faulty wiring in the old desk lamp managed to mildly shock anyone who accidentally touched the metal base."
To collide with violently, or to subject to a severe physical jolt.
"The turbulent waters caused the small boat to shock violently against the wooden pier."
• adjective
Relating to, designed for, or producing a sudden and forceful impact or assault, especially in military or strategic contexts.
"The commander deployed a unit of elite shock troops to quickly breach the fortified enemy defenses."
Word Nuance & Usage
When used as an adjective, 'shock' is typically restricted to attributive positions before a noun (e.g., 'shock troops', 'shock tactics') to describe a sudden, overwhelming force.
• Rhymes for shock
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived in the 1560s from Middle French 'choc' (a violent attack) and 'choquer' (to strike against). The medical sense arose in the mid-19th century. A separate, older agricultural sense for a bundle of grain comes from Middle English 'schokke' of Germanic origin.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.