shock

noun (1), often attributive

\ ˈshäk

Definition of shock

(Entry 1 of 6)

1a(1) : a sudden or violent mental or emotional disturbance

(2) : a disturbance in the equilibrium or permanence of something

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

2 : 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

3 : sudden stimulation of the nerves and convulsive contraction of the muscles caused by the discharge of electricity through the animal body

4 : shock absorber

5a : a violent shake or jar : concussion

b : an effect of such violence

6a : stroke sense 5

b : coronary thrombosis

7 : the impact or encounter of individuals or groups in combat

shock

verb (1)

shocked; shocking; shocks

Definition of shock (Entry 2 of 6)

transitive verb

1a : 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 cause surprise or shock an exhibit meant to shock

2 : to meet with a shock : collide

3 cooking : to halt further cooking of (a vegetable) by submerging in ice water If you blanch and shock your vegetables (cook them quickly in boiling water, then immerse them in ice water), you'll get a perfectly cooked texture and a nice vibrant color. Once you've done that, you can easily sauté, dress, or grill them.— Amanda Freitag Another way to prevent overcooking is to shock the asparagus in an ice bath… The cold water will stop the cooking process as well as bring out the vegetable's naturally bright color and maintain its crisp texture.— Grace Haynes

shock

noun (2)

Definition of shock (Entry 3 of 6)

: a thick bushy mass (as of hair)

shock

adjective

Definition of shock (Entry 4 of 6)

: bushy, shaggy

shock

noun (3)

Definition of shock (Entry 5 of 6)

: a pile of sheaves of grain or stalks of corn set up in a field with the butt ends down

shock

verb (2)

shocked; shocking; shocks

Definition of shock (Entry 6 of 6)

transitive verb

: to collect into shocks

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Choose the Right Synonym for shock

Noun (1)

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

First Known Use of shock

Noun (1)

1565, in the meaning defined at sense 7

Verb (1)

1575, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 2

Noun (2)

1819, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1681, in the meaning defined above

Noun (3)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for shock

Noun (1)

Middle French choc, from choquer to strike against, from Old French choquier, probably of Germanic origin; akin to Middle Dutch schocken to jolt

Adjective

perhaps from shock entry 5

Noun (3)

Middle English; akin to Middle High German schoc heap

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More Definitions for shock

shock

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of shock

—used to describe something that surprises and usually upsets people

See the full definition for shock in the English Language Learners Dictionary

shock

noun

\ ˈshäk

Kids Definition of shock

(Entry 1 of 4)

shock

Definition of shock

Other Words from shock

Choose the Right Synonym for shock

First Known Use of shock

History and Etymology for shock

English Language Learners Definition of shock

Kids Definition of shock

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