shock Definition
- 1a sudden upsetting or surprising event or experience
- 2a violent shaking movement caused by an impact, explosion, or tremor
- 3a physical condition marked by a rapid and considerable drop in blood pressure, caused by severe injury, illness, or blood loss
Using shock: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "shock" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The news of his death came as a shock to everyone.
Example
The earthquake caused a shock that could be felt for miles.
Example
He went into shock after losing a lot of blood.
Example
The team's defeat was a shock to their fans.
Example
The electric shock from the faulty wire knocked him unconscious.
shock Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using shock
Example
She was in shock after hearing the news of her friend's death.
shock tactics
the use of shocking or provocative images or language to attract attention or raise awareness of an issue
Example
The ad campaign used shock tactics to draw attention to the dangers of smoking.
used to express mock surprise or indignation at something that is not actually surprising or shocking
Example
Oh no, he ate a whole pizza by himself! Shock horror!
Phrases with shock
the feeling of disorientation experienced by someone who is suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture, way of life, or set of attitudes
Example
Moving to a new country can be a real culture shock.
an acute nervous condition caused by prolonged exposure to active warfare, especially being under bombardment
Example
Many soldiers suffered from shell shock during World War I.
a device or mechanism for absorbing sudden and severe shocks or impacts, typically in a vehicle or machine
Example
The car's shock absorbers were worn out and needed to be replaced.
Origins of shock
from Middle Low German 'schokken', meaning 'to shake'
Summary: shock in Brief
The term 'shock' [ʃɒk] refers to sudden and often upsetting events, such as 'The news of his death came as a shock to everyone.' It can also refer to physical experiences, like 'The electric shock from the faulty wire knocked him unconscious.' Phrases include 'culture shock,' describing disorientation in a new culture, and 'shock absorber,' a mechanism for absorbing sudden impacts. Idioms include 'in shock,' indicating disbelief or confusion, and 'shock tactics,' using provocative images or language to raise awareness.
