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shock

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The definition of a shock is a sudden powerful disturbance, shake or blow.

(noun)

An example of a shock is the electrical jolt felt when taking a polyester shirt out of the dryer.
An example of a shock is the sudden movement of an earthquake.
An example of a shock is the sudden death of someone.

See shock in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

the impact of persons, forces, etc. in combat or collision
1. a sudden, powerful concussion; violent blow, shake, or jar: the shock of an earthquake
2. the result or effect of such concussion
1. any sudden disturbance or agitation of the mind or emotions, as through great loss or surprise
2. 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.

Origin: 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)

Origin: 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

Informal of or characterized by content that is intentionally shocking, offensive, vulgar, etc.: shock art, shock radio

noun

a pile of grain sheaves, as of corn or wheat, stacked together on end to cure and dry

Origin: 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

to gather and pile in shocks

noun

a thick, bushy or tangled mass, as of hair

Origin: < ? shock

adjective

bushy or shaggy, as hair

See shock in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

a. A violent collision or impact; a heavy blow. See Synonyms at collision.
b. The effect of such a collision or blow.
a. Something that jars the mind or emotions as if with a violent unexpected blow.
b. The disturbance of function, equilibrium, or mental faculties caused by such a blow; violent agitation.
A severe offense to one's sense of propriety or decency; an outrage.
A potentially fatal physiological reaction to a variety of conditions, including illness, injury, hemorrhage, and dehydration, usually characterized by marked loss of blood pressure, diminished blood circulation, and inadequate blood flow to the tissues.
The sensation and muscular spasm caused by an electric current passing through the body or a body part.
A sudden economic disturbance, such as a rise in the price of a commodity.
A shock absorber.