Shock
/ʃɒk/
Definitions
4 meaningsA sudden and unpleasant surprise or a strong emotional reaction to something unexpected or frightening.
/ʃɒk/
A sudden and upsetting experience or feeling.
The announcement of the company's closure came as a shock to the employees.
💡 Simply: Imagine you walk into a party and everyone is wearing a giant banana costume! That's a shock – something surprising that makes you feel a little bit stunned.
👶 For kids: When something happens that makes you feel really surprised or scared.
More Examples
She suffered a shock when she saw the damage to her car.
The death of her friend was a terrible shock.
How It's Used
"The news came as a complete shock."
"The patient went into shock after the accident."
A critical condition resulting from a sudden drop in blood flow or severe trauma, leading to organ failure and potentially death.
/ʃɒk/
A state of collapse in bodily functions, often caused by injury or illness.
The paramedics worked quickly to treat the patient in shock.
💡 Simply: When your body is very, very hurt, like after a bad fall or an illness, and it starts to have trouble working. It’s like your body is in a state of emergency!
👶 For kids: When your body is really, really sick or hurt, and it needs help.
More Examples
Shock can be caused by severe blood loss.
The doctor monitored the patient closely for signs of shock.
How It's Used
"The victim went into shock after the accident."
To cause someone to feel surprised and upset or to be affected by something sudden and unexpected.
/ʃɒk/
To cause someone to feel surprised and upset.
The loud noise shocked the baby.
💡 Simply: Imagine telling your friend a secret that's totally unexpected. It's like you're 'shocking' them – giving them a surprise that might make them feel surprised or a little upset!
👶 For kids: To make someone feel really surprised or scared.
More Examples
Her sudden decision to quit shocked everyone.
The movie's ending shocked many viewers.
How It's Used
"The news shocked her deeply."
To subject someone or something to an electric current.
/ʃɒk/
To deliver an electric shock to someone.
The defibrillator was used to shock the patient's heart.
💡 Simply: Like in a movie, when the doctor uses a machine to give the person's heart a little electric nudge to get it going again.
👶 For kids: To give someone or something a zap with electricity.
More Examples
He accidentally shocked himself while fixing the appliance.
How It's Used
"The doctor shocked the patient's heart to restart it."
"Be careful not to shock yourself!"
Idioms & expressions
in shock
Feeling or being in a state of emotional distress or surprise due to a sudden event.
"She was still in shock after hearing the news of the accident."
shock and awe
A military strategy based on the use of overwhelming force, rapid dominance, and spectacular displays of power.
"The military operation employed a strategy of shock and awe."
From Middle French choc, from Old French choquier (“to clash, strike, knock”), of Germanic origin; related to Middle Dutch schok (“a jolt, blow”).
The word 'shock' has been used to describe sudden impacts, both physical and emotional, since the 17th century. Its medical application, relating to bodily collapse, emerged later.
Memory tip
Think of an electric shock – it's a sudden, jarring experience.
Word Origin
"a blow, collision"