shocked
Shocked (adj) means feeling sudden surprise or dismay, often mixed with disapproval. Example: “I was shocked to hear he'd been fired.”
How to Use Shocked
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCaught off guard by something upsetting, surprising, or scandalous.
Word Forms
more shocked comparative, most shocked superlative
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
I was _____ to hear he'd been fired.
Related Words
Rhymes for shocked
See all rhymes for shocked →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “shocked” mean?
The word “shocked” means feeling sudden surprise or dismay, often mixed with disapproval. In plain terms, caught off guard by something upsetting, surprising, or scandalous.
How do you pronounce “shocked”?
“Shocked” is pronounced shokt (/ʃɒkt/ in IPA).
How do you use “shocked” in a sentence?
Here is “shocked” used in a sentence: “I was shocked to hear he'd been fired.”
What part of speech is “shocked”?
“Shocked” is an adjective.
Is “shocked” a common word?
“Shocked” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between shocked and surprised?
Shocked describes sudden surprise or dismay, often mixed with disapproval, so it usually carries a negative or unsettling edge. Surprised is more neutral and can be pleasant or unpleasant, whereas being shocked suggests a stronger, often troubling reaction.
Does shocked always mean something bad happened?
Usually, yes. Shocked involves sudden surprise or dismay, frequently combined with disapproval, so it tends to follow unwelcome or startling events. It is less natural for happy surprises, where surprised or amazed fits better.
What prepositions go with shocked?
Shocked is commonly followed by by, at, or that, as in shocked by the news, shocked at his behaviour, or shocked that it happened. These structures introduce the cause of the surprise or dismay.