WordGarden.ioshock
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /ʃˈɒk/
US
- /ˈʃɑk/
Meanings
Noun
a strong feeling of surprise, distress, or disbelief
a sudden violent impact or jarring movement
a dangerous medical state in which the body cannot circulate enough blood
More meaningsFewer meanings
an electric discharge or the painful effect it causes in the body
Verb
to upset, alarm, or offend someone deeply
Beyond the definition
"Shock" is not just about electricity. It can mean the feeling of sudden surprise, like when a friend appears at your door without warning or you get news you did not expect. It can also mean the deep, painful state that follows something terrible, leaving you numb, confused, or unsteady. You might feel this after losing someone you love or seeing a serious accident. It can also refer to an electrical jolt.
The context tells you which meaning is intended. A doctor might use "shock" for a dangerous medical condition, while someone talking about a movie might say it was full of shocking moments. The word can also describe a violent impact or collision, though that use is less common in everyday speech.
The word "shock" carries a lot of weight—both literally and figuratively. At its core, it describes a sudden, disturbing experience that throws you off balance. This can manifest in several distinct ways.
Firstly, emotional shock is the feeling of intense surprise, distress, or disbelief caused by something unexpected and upsetting. It is the initial reaction to bad news, a traumatic event, or a startling revelation. To say "she was in shock after hearing about the accident" describes a state of emotional numbness and disorientation.
Secondly, physical shock (specifically circulatory shock) refers to a serious medical condition where the body's organs aren't receiving enough blood flow. This can be caused by injury, illness, or severe trauma. Doctors describe symptoms like a rapid heartbeat, pale skin, and weakness as signs of "shock."
Thirdly, electrical shock is the physiological injury that occurs when an electric current passes through the body. It is a dangerous situation that requires immediate medical attention.
Finally, "shock" can simply mean a high degree of surprise. A shocking revelation in a mystery novel isn't life-threatening, but it certainly grabs your attention. You might say, "I was shocked to see him there," meaning you were caught completely off guard.
The word originates from the Old French word "choc," which initially referred to a violent blow or collision. This sense of forceful impact remains at the heart of all its meanings—whether emotional, physical, or simply surprising. So next time you hear the word "shock," remember it is about something that jolts you out of your normal state, leaving a lasting impression.
Examples
- 1
Workplace news
The news came as a shock to everyone in the office.
- Phrasecome as a shock
be very surprising or upsetting
- 2
Hospital reaction
She was still in shock when I saw her at the hospital.
- Phrasein shock
so upset or frightened that you cannot think clearly
- 3
Unexpected cost
We were shocked by the size of the bill.
- 4
Family surprise
His parents were shocked that he had left without telling them.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Violent content
The film shocked some viewers with its violence.
- Patternshock someone with + thing
upset or offend them by it
- 6
Repair bill
He got a shock when he saw the repair bill.
- Phraseget a shock
suddenly feel surprised or upset
- 7
Electricity
The damaged cable gave him an electric shock.
- Phrasean electric shock
a painful hit of electricity
- 8
Living abroad
Many students experience culture shock when they move abroad.
- Phraseculture shock
the confusion people feel in a very different culture
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- a shock to
- come as a shock
- recover from the shock
- in shock
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- shocknounverb
Forms
- shockedpast tenseverbnoun
- shocking-ing formverbnoun
- shockspluralnounverb