a shock to the/someone's system

phrase

: something that has a sudden and usually unpleasant effect on someone

The cold weather was a shock to my system after being in the tropics.

For freshmen, college life can be a real shock to the system.

Examples of a shock to the/someone's system in a Sentence

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Murray acknowledged that the cuts will be a shock to the system but said the goal is to create a Post that can grow and thrive again. — David Bauder, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026 The 40-degree plunge in less than 24 hours from Sunday afternoon was definitely a shock to the system. — Newsroom Meteorologist, Austin American Statesman, 30 Dec. 2025 But the difference between low-profile and high-profile games can be a shock to the system. — Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 15 Nov. 2025 Those first few days in the shelter can be a shock to the system for any canine. — Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for a shock to the/someone's system

Browse Nearby Words

Ashochimi

a shock to the/someone's system

ashore

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Cite this Entry

Style

“A shock to the/someone's system.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20shock%20to%20the%2Fsomeone%27s%20system. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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