shock

noun (1), often attributive

\ ˈshäk

Definition of shock

(Entry 1 of 6)

1a(1) : a sudden or violent mental or emotional disturbance

(2) : a disturbance in the equilibrium or permanence of something

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

2 : 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

3 : sudden stimulation of the nerves and convulsive contraction of the muscles caused by the discharge of electricity through the animal body

4 : shock absorber

5a : a violent shake or jar : concussion

b : an effect of such violence

6a : stroke sense 5

b : coronary thrombosis

7 : the impact or encounter of individuals or groups in combat

shock

verb (1)

shocked; shocking; shocks

Definition of shock (Entry 2 of 6)

transitive verb

1a : 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 cause surprise or shock an exhibit meant to shock

2 : to meet with a shock : collide

shock

noun (2)

Definition of shock (Entry 3 of 6)

: a thick bushy mass (as of hair)

shock

adjective

Definition of shock (Entry 4 of 6)

: bushy, shaggy

shock

noun (3)

Definition of shock (Entry 5 of 6)

: a pile of sheaves of grain or stalks of corn set up in a field with the butt ends down

shock

verb (2)

shocked; shocking; shocks

Definition of shock (Entry 6 of 6)

transitive verb

: to collect into shocks

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Choose the Right Synonym for shock

Noun (1)

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 collision implies the coming together of two or more things with such force that both or all are damaged or their progress is severely impeded. the collision damaged the vehicle shock often denotes the effect produced by a collision and carries the suggestion of something that strikes or hits with force. the shock of falling rocks concussion when not in technical use, often suggests the shattering, disrupting, or weakening effects of a collision, explosion, or blow. bystanders felt the concussion of the blast

First Known Use of shock

Noun (1)

1565, in the meaning defined at sense 7

Verb (1)

1656, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun (2)

1819, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1681, in the meaning defined above

Noun (3)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for shock

Noun (1)

Middle French choc, from choquer to strike against, from Old French choquier, probably of Germanic origin; akin to Middle Dutch schocken to jolt

Adjective

perhaps from shock entry 5

Noun (3)

Middle English; akin to Middle High German schoc heap

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Dictionary Entries near shock

shock absorbent watch

shock absorber

shock bump

Phrases Related to shock

a shock to the/someone's system

in a state of shock

rude shock

shock horror

shock of someone's life

shock radio/TV

shock tactics

shock value

Statistics for shock

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Time Traveler for shock

The first known use of shock was in the 14th century

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More Definitions for shock

shock

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of shock

—used to describe something that surprises and usually upsets people

See the full definition for shock in the English Language Learners Dictionary

shock

noun

\ ˈshäk

Kids Definition of shock

(Entry 1 of 4)

: a bunch of sheaves of grain or stalks of corn set on end (as in a field)

shock

noun

Kids Definition of shock (Entry 2 of 4)

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

shock

verb

shocked; shocking

Kids Definition of shock (Entry 3 of 4)

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

shock

noun

Kids Definition of shock (Entry 4 of 4)

: a thick bushy mass a shock of red hair

shock

noun

\ ˈshäk

Medical Definition of shock

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

shock

transitive verb

Medical Definition of shock (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : to cause to undergo a physical or nervous shock

2 : to subject to the action of an electrical discharge

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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