Definition of shock
:a pile of sheaves of grain or stalks of corn set up in a field with the butt ends down
-
Trending Now:
More Trending:
- dotage, dotard otherwise federalism bodega carceral
- ALL
What's Trending Now
More Trending Words
People Are Reading
Origin and Etymology of shock
Middle English; akin to Middle High German schoc heap
First Known Use of shock
15th century
Definition of shock
1
:the impact or encounter of individuals or groups in combat
2 a
:a violent shake or jar :concussion
b
:an effect of such violence
3 a (1)
:a disturbance in the equilibrium or permanence of something
(2)
:a sudden or violent mental or emotional disturbance
b
:something that causes such disturbance
- the loss came as a shock
c
:a state of being so disturbed
- were in shock after they heard the news
4
:a state of profound depression of the vital processes associated with reduced blood volume and pressure and caused usually by severe especially crushing injuries, hemorrhage, or burns
5
:sudden stimulation of the nerves and convulsive contraction of the muscles caused by the discharge of electricity through the animal body
6 a
:stroke 5
Origin and Etymology of shock
Middle French choc, from choquer to strike against, from Old French choquier, probably of Germanic origin; akin to Middle Dutch schocken to jolt
Synonym Discussion of shock
impact, collision, shock, concussion mean a forceful, even violent contact between two or more things. impact may be used to imply contact between two things, at least one of which is impelled toward the other.
-
- the glass shattered on impact with the floor
-
- the collision damaged the vehicle
-
- the shock of falling rocks
-
- bystanders felt the concussion of the blast
Definition of shock
transitive verb
1 a
:to strike with surprise, terror, horror, or disgust
b
:to cause to undergo a physical or nervous shock
c
:to subject to the action of an electrical discharge
2
:to drive by or as if by a shock
intransitive verb
1
:to meet with a shock :collide
2
:to cause surprise or shock
- an exhibit meant to shock
First Known Use of shock
1656
Definition of shock
Origin and Etymology of shock
First Known Use of shock
1819
SHOCK Defined for English Language Learners
shock
adjective
Definition of shock for English Language Learners
-
—used to describe something that surprises and usually upsets people
SHOCK Defined for Kids
Definition of shock for Students
:a bunch of sheaves of grain or stalks of corn set on end (as in a field)
Definition of shock for Students
1
:a sudden strong unpleasant or upsetting feeling
- a shock of surprise
2
:something that causes a sudden unpleasant or upsetting feeling
- His resignation came as a shock.
3
:a severe shake, jerk, or impact
- an earthquake shock
4
:the effect of a charge of electricity passing through the body of a person or animal
5
:a serious bodily reaction that usually follows severe injury or large loss of blood
Definition of shock for Students
shocked;
shocking
1
:to strike with surprise, horror, or disgust
- Their behavior shocked us.
2
:to affect by a charge of electricity
3
:to move to action especially by causing upset, surprise, or disgust
- “Oh, Davy,” said Dora primly, shocked into speaking …
- —Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Avonlea
Medical Dictionary
medical Definition of shock
1
:a sudden or violent disturbance in the mental or emotional faculties
2
:a state of profound depression of the vital processes of the body that is characterized by pallor, rapid but weak pulse, rapid and shallow respiration, reduced total blood volume, and low blood pressure and that is caused usually by severe especially crushing injuries, hemorrhage, burns, or major surgery
3
:sudden stimulation of the nerves or convulsive contraction of the muscles that is caused by the discharge through the animal body of electricity from a charged source — compare electroconvulsive therapy
Law Dictionary
shock
adjective
legal Definition of shock
:of, relating to, or being a criminal sentence or condition of release involving participation in a program of vigorous physical training, discipline, regimentation, and rehabilitation therapy
- shock incarceration
- shock probation
- shock parole
Learn More about shock
-
See words that rhyme with shock Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for shock Spanish Central: Translation of shock Nglish: Translation of shock for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of shock for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about shock
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up shock? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
