a sudden, strong feeling of surprise, fear, or distress that makes it hard to think or act normally
Maya stared at the broken vase in shock, unable to speak.
The news of the sudden storm came as a complete shock to the fishermen.
✦ from Middle French choque “violently hit,” later extended to emotional meaning in English (18th c.)
a sudden flow of electricity through a body that causes a painful jolt
Tim yelped after he got a small electric shock from the doorknob.
A faulty wire gave the mechanic a nasty shock on the job.
to cause someone to feel sudden surprise, horror, or disgust
The graphic documentary will shock many viewers.
It shocked her to learn that her friend had moved away.
a serious medical condition in which the body’s blood circulation is dangerously low, leading to life-threatening symptoms
The paramedics treated the crash victim who was in shock.
Severe blood loss can send a person into shock.
a sudden, violent impact or force that can damage or move something
The shock from the earthquake rattled the windows.
His knees buckled under the shock of landing.
a thick, bushy mass of hair or other material that stands out noticeably
The toddler had a wild shock of blond curls.
He ran his fingers through his shock of gray hair.
