shock
shock (s̸häk)
noun
- the impact of persons, forces, etc. in combat or collision
- a sudden, powerful concussion; violent blow, shake, or jar the shock of an earthquake
- the result or effect of such concussion
- any sudden disturbance or agitation of the mind or emotions, as through great loss or surprise
- something causing this
- an extreme stimulation of the nerves, muscles, etc. accompanying the passage of electric current through the body
- Informal shock absorber
- Med. a disorder resulting from ineffective circulation of the blood, produced by hemorrhage, severe infection, disturbance of heart function, etc., and characterized by a marked decrease in blood pressure, a weak, rapid pulse, decreased kidney function, etc.
Etymology: Fr choc < choquer: see shockthe
transitive verb
- to disturb the mind or emotions of; affect with great surprise, distress, disgust, etc.
- to affect with physical shock
- to produce electrical shock in (a body)
Etymology: MFr choquer, prob. < MDu schokken, to collide < IE *skeug-, to push, shoot, var. of base *skeub(h)-, shove
intransitive verb
- Archaic to come together violently; collide
- to be shocked, distressed, disgusted, etc. she doesn't shock easily
adjective
shock (s̸häk)
noun
Etymology: ME schokke, prob. via MDu or MLowG schok < IE *(s)keug- < base *keu-, to bend, arch > Russ kuča, a pile, heap: basic sense “rounded heap”
transitive verb, intransitive verb
shock (s̸häk)
adjective
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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