First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1shock
noun \ˈshäk\
Definition of SHOCK
: a pile of sheaves of grain or stalks of Indian corn set up in a field with the butt ends down
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Origin of SHOCK
Middle English; akin to Middle High German schoc heap
Other Agriculture/Gardening Terms
2shock
transitive verb
3shock
noun, often attributive
Definition of SHOCK
1
: the impact or encounter of individuals or groups in combat
2
a : a violent shake or jar : concussion b : an effect of such violence
3
a (1) : a disturbance in the equilibrium or permanence of something (2) : a sudden or violent mental or emotional disturbance b : something that causes such disturbance <the loss came as a shock> c : a state of being so disturbed <were in shock after they heard the news>
4
: a state of profound depression of the vital processes associated with reduced blood volume and pressure and caused usually by severe especially crushing injuries, hemorrhage, or burns
5
: sudden stimulation of the nerves and convulsive contraction of the muscles caused by the discharge of electricity through the animal body
6
a : stroke 5 b : coronary thrombosis
7
Origin of SHOCK
Middle French choc, from choquer to strike against, from Old French choquier, probably of Germanic origin; akin to Middle Dutch schocken to jolt
First Known Use: 1565
Synonym Discussion of SHOCK
impact, collision, shock, concussion mean a forceful, even violent contact between two or more things. impact may be used to imply contact between two things, at least one of which is impelled toward the other <the glass shattered on impact with the floor>. collision implies the coming together of two or more things with such force that both or all are damaged or their progress is severely impeded <the collision damaged the vehicle>. shock often denotes the effect produced by a collision and carries the suggestion of something that strikes or hits with force <the shock of falling rocks>. concussion when not in technical use, often suggests the shattering, disrupting, or weakening effects of a collision, explosion, or blow <bystanders felt the concussion of the blast>.
4shock
verb
Definition of SHOCK
transitive verb1
a : to strike with surprise, terror, horror, or disgust b : to cause to undergo a physical or nervous shock c : to subject to the action of an electrical discharge
2
: to drive by or as if by a shock
intransitive verb
1
: to meet with a shock : collide
2
: to cause surprise or shock <an exhibit meant to shock>
— shock·able \ˈshä-kə-bəl\ adjective
First Known Use of SHOCK
1656
5shock
adjective
—used to describe something that surprises and usually upsets people
Full Definition of SHOCK
See shock defined for English-language learners
Origin of SHOCK
perhaps from 1shock
First Known Use: 1681
6shock
noun
Definition of SHOCK
: a thick bushy mass (as of hair)
First Known Use of SHOCK
1819
SHOCK Defined for Kids
1shock
noun \ˈshäk\
Definition of SHOCK for Kids
: a bunch of sheaves of grain or stalks of corn set on end (as in a field)
2shock
noun
Definition of SHOCK for Kids
1
: a sudden strong unpleasant or upsetting feeling <a shock of surprise>
2
: something that causes a sudden unpleasant or upsetting feeling <His resignation came as a shock.>
3
: a severe shake, jerk, or impact <an earthquake shock>
4
: the effect of a charge of electricity passing through the body of a person or animal
5
: a serious bodily reaction that usually follows severe injury or large loss of blood
3shock
verb
shockedshock·ing
Definition of SHOCK for Kids
1
: to strike with surprise, horror, or disgust <Their behavior shocked us.>
2
: to affect by a charge of electricity
3
: to move to action especially by causing upset, surprise, or disgust <“Oh, Davy,” said Dora primly, shocked into speaking … — Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Avonlea>
4shock
noun
Definition of SHOCK for Kids
: a thick bushy mass <a shock of red hair>
Learn More About SHOCK
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