shock tactics
plural noun
: actions, images, stories, etc., that surprise and upset people
I don't think there's anything wrong with using shock tactics to discourage people from driving while drunk.
Examples of shock tactics in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But mostly Cai keeps the emotional momentum building without resorting to shock tactics, thereby buying himself credibility for developments that could otherwise seem a little on the nose.
—
Jessica Kiang, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025
The campaign avoided shock tactics, instead choosing a hopeful, inspiring tone.
—Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
The day is remembered by several witness, but the documentary deftly avoids any predictable shock tactics.
—Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 July 2023
Like many rock stars before him, Healy is known for his on-stage shock tactics.
—Daysia Tolentino, NBC News, 5 June 2023
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Jessica Kiang, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025
The campaign avoided shock tactics, instead choosing a hopeful, inspiring tone.
—Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
The day is remembered by several witness, but the documentary deftly avoids any predictable shock tactics.
—Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 July 2023
Like many rock stars before him, Healy is known for his on-stage shock tactics.
—Daysia Tolentino, NBC News, 5 June 2023
Cite this Entry
“Shock tactics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shock%20tactics. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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