shock
shok
Shock (noun) means a sudden, jarring surprise or emotional blow. Example: “The news of her resignation came as a real shock to the team.”
noun
1
A sudden, jarring surprise or emotional blow.
"The news of her resignation came as a real shock to the team."
"He was still in shock an hour after the accident."
"It was a shock to find that the old shop had closed down."
2
A dangerous surge of electric current passing through the body.
"He got a shock from the faulty socket."
"Don't touch that bare wire, or you might get a nasty shock."
"The child received a small shock from the loose plug."
3
A life-threatening medical state in which the body can't circulate enough blood and oxygen.
"Paramedics treated her for shock at the scene."
"Losing a lot of blood can send a patient into shock within minutes."
"The nurse watched closely for signs of shock, such as pale, clammy skin."
4
Short for shock absorber, the device that cushions a vehicle's suspension.
"The mechanic replaced both rear shocks."
"The car bounced badly because one of its shocks had worn out."
"We need new shocks before driving the van over that rough track."
verb
1
To surprise or upset someone strongly, or to offend their sense of decency.
"The graphic footage shocked viewers around the world."
"Nothing seems to shock him anymore."
"I did not mean to shock you, but I have decided to quit."
How to use shock
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA sudden jolt — emotional, electrical, or medical — or the reaction to something startling.
Common mistake
Medical "shock" is a serious, specific emergency condition, not just being startled — don't use it loosely in a medical context.
Common pairings
in shock
a shock to the system
come as a shock
electric shock
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Word forms
- Plural
- shocks
- Third person singular
- shocks
- Past tense
- shocked
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The news of her resignation came as a real _____ to the team.
Etymology
From an old Germanic root meaning to jolt or collide, arriving in English via French and Dutch influences on the word for a violent impact.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for shock
See all rhymes for shock →Frequently asked questions
What does “shock” mean?
The word “shock” means a sudden, jarring surprise or emotional blow. In plain terms, a sudden jolt — emotional, electrical, or medical — or the reaction to something startling.
How do you pronounce “shock”?
“Shock” is pronounced shok (/ʃɔk/ in IPA).
How do you use “shock” in a sentence?
Here is “shock” used in a sentence: “The news of her resignation came as a real shock to the team.”
What part of speech is “shock”?
Depending on how it is used, “shock” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “shock” come from?
The word “shock” comes from French. From an old Germanic root meaning to jolt or collide, arriving in English via French and Dutch influences on the word for a violent impact.
Is “shock” a common word?
“Shock” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “shock” have?
“Shock” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a sudden, jarring surprise or emotional blow.
What is the difference between shock and surprise?
Surprise is the reaction to something unexpected and can be mild or even pleasant. Shock is stronger and more jarring, a sudden emotional blow that can leave you stunned, upset, or momentarily unable to react. All shock involves surprise, but not every surprise rises to the intensity of shock.
What is an example of emotional shock?
Hearing sudden bad news, such as the loss of a loved one, an accident, or a job lost without warning, can produce shock: a stunned, numb feeling where the mind struggles to take in what has happened. The jarring, unexpected nature of the event is what makes it a shock rather than mere sadness.
Can a shock be positive?
Yes. Although shock often follows bad news, a sudden happy event can be shocking too, such as an unexpected win, a surprise reunion, or life-changing good fortune. The word describes the jarring force of the surprise itself, not whether the news is good or bad. We sometimes call this a pleasant shock.
What is the opposite of shock?
There is no single opposite, but words like calm, composure, and expectation sit at the other end. Where shock is sudden and jarring, calm is steady and unruffled, and something expected or anticipated cannot shock you because it arrives without surprise. The best opposite depends on your emphasis.
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