shocks

Browse 'S'

14 definitions • 21 examples

(the emotional or physical reaction to) a sudden, unexpected, and usually unpleasant event or experience:

Examples:

come as a shock Her mother's death came as a great shock - it was so unexpected.

It was such a loud crash - it gave me/I got quite a shock.

it is a shock to It was a shock to see her looking so ill.

in (a state of) shock I was in (a state of) shock for about two weeks after the accident.

shock defeat UK Manchester City suffered a shock defeat (= completely unexpected defeat) at the weekend.

an unpleasant feeling that you experience when something new or unusual happens:

Examples:

It's really hard getting back to work after three months off - it's quite a shock to the system.

Examples:

get a shock Ow! - I got a shock from that lamp!

a medical condition caused by severe injury, pain, loss of blood, or fear that slows down the flow of blood around the body:

Examples:

suffer from shock Several passengers from the wrecked vehicle were taken to hospital suffering from shock.

the effect of one object violently hitting another, causing damage or a slight movement:

Examples:

absorb the shock For running on hard roads, you need shoes with extra cushioning to absorb (= reduce) the shock.

a feeling of being offended or upset by something you consider wrong or unacceptable:

Examples:

You should have seen the look of shock on her face when he started swearing!

a large and noticeable mass of hair:

Examples:

a shock of The baby had a shock of bright red hair.

to offend or upset someone by doing or saying something that they consider is immoral or unacceptable:

Examples:

The advertisements were designed to shock - that was the whole point of the campaign.

[ + obj + to infinitive ] I think it shocks him to hear women talking about sex.

to make someone feel upset or surprised:

Examples:

shock someone into doing something The photographs of starving children shocked people into giving money.

shock someone deeply The news of the accident shocked the family deeply.

a sudden, unexpected, and often unpleasant or offensive event, or the emotional or physical reaction to such an event:

Examples:

[ C ] It was kind of a shock to hear they wanted to throw it out.

Shock is also a medical condition caused by severe injury, pain, loss of blood, or fright that slows down the flow of blood around the body:

Examples:

[ U ] She was going into shock – her flesh was becoming chilled and her muscles were contracting.

the effect, often including damage or slight movement, of one object hitting another forcefully:

Examples:

Running shoes lose their ability to absorb shock.

a current of electricity going through the body:

Examples:

If that cord is pulled loose, you’ll get a shock from the plug.

to make someone suddenly feel very upset or surprised:

Examples:

[ T ] Her painting might shock viewers.

[ I ] The ads were designed to shock.

shocks

Examples:

Examples:

Examples:

Examples:

Examples:

Examples:

Examples:

Examples:

Examples:

Examples:

Examples:

Examples:

Examples:

Examples:

Navigation