Etymology: Middle English rokken, from Old English roccian; akin to Old High German rucken to cause to move
Date: 12th century
transitive verb1: to move back and forth in or as if in a cradle 2 a: to cause to sway back and forth <a boat rocked by the waves>b (1): to cause to shake violently (2): to daze with or as if with a vigorous blow <a hard right rocked the contender>(3): to astonish or disturb greatly <the scandal rocked the community> 3: to rouse to excitement (as by performing rock music) <rocked the crowd>intransitive verb1: to become moved backward and forward under often violent impact; also: to move gently back and forth 2: to move forward at a steady pace; also: to move forward at a high speed <the train rocked through the countryside> 3: to sing, dance to, or play rock music 4slang: to be extremely enjoyable, pleasing, or effective <her new car rocks>