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DictionaryshockUpsetting surprise
noun / verb

shock

SHAHK/ʃɑːk/

A sudden violent jolt.

The shock of the bumper-car collision pitches the driver forward.

A bumper-car collision delivers a sudden physical jolt: the rubber bumpers visibly compress while one driver's upper body pitches forward against his safety belt.
Etymology
shockOld Frenchto strike against

Choquer, “to strike against,” supplies the image of violent contact. An English shock first meant an armed clash, then a sudden blow or collision, and finally a disturbing impact on the mind.

In context

Dramatic confessions6:04
their eyes wide with shock. Someone shouted. There was a code blue in the main ICU.
Conjoined Twins Battle for Their Lives, Shocking Surgeons with a SURPRISING Detail in Surgery...

More examples

  • The unexpected layoff shocks everyone on the team.
  • A damaged cord can give you an electric shock.
  • Worn shocks make the car bounce on rough roads.

Forms

shock · shocks · shocked · shocking

Similar words

jolt
Emphasizes a sudden jerking movement rather than the impact itself.
impact
Names the forceful contact itself, not necessarily the resulting jolt.