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

This is why shock tactics sometimes work. — Andrew Allen, Forbes.com, 18 Feb. 2026

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

Rhymes for shock tactics

• didactics