the feeling of distress and disbelief that you have when something bad happens accidentally
he was numb with shock
synonymous: daze, stupor
the violent interaction of individuals or groups entering into combat
the armies met in the shock of battle
synonymous: impact
a reflex response to the passage of electric current through the body
subjects received a small electric shock when they made the wrong response
electricians get accustomed to occasional shocks
synonymous: electric shock, electrical shock
(pathology) bodily collapse or near collapse caused by inadequate oxygen delivery to the cells; characterized by reduced cardiac output and rapid heartbeat and circulatory insufficiency and pallor
loss of blood is an important cause of shock
an instance of agitation of the earth's crust
the first shock of the earthquake came shortly after noon while workers were at lunch
synonymous: seismic disturbance
an unpleasant or disappointing surprise
it came as a shock to learn that he was injured
synonymous: blow
a pile of sheaves of grain set on end in a field to dry; stalks of Indian corn set up in a field
corn is bound in small sheaves and several sheaves are set up together in shocks
whole fields of wheat in shock
a bushy thick mass (especially hair)
he had an unruly shock of black hair
a mechanical damper; absorbs energy of sudden impulses
the old car needed a new set of shocks
synonymous: shock absorber, cushion
shock v.
surprise greatly; knock someone's socks off
synonymous: stun, floor, ball over, blow out of the water, take aback
strike with disgust or revulsion
The scandalous behavior of this married woman shocked her friends