a sudden or violent disturbance or commotion: the shock of battle.
a sudden or violent disturbance of the mind, emotions, or sensibilities: The burglary was a shock to her sense of security. The book provided a shock, nothing more.
the cause of such a disturbance: The rebuke came as a shock.
a collapse of circulatory function, caused by severe injury, blood loss, or disease, and characterized by pallor, sweating, weak pulse, and very low blood pressure. Cf.
the physiological effect produced by the passage of an electric current through the body.
shock absorbers, esp. in the suspension of an automobile.
—v.t.
to strike or jar with intense surprise, horror, disgust, etc.: He enjoyed shocking people.