Reading Theme:
Shock Definition, Types, and Usage Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：emotional shock (shock)
shock
/ʃɑk/
n.
A sudden, strong feeling of surprise and upset because something unexpected and usually bad has happened.
emotional shock
➕
/ɪˈmoʊʃənl ʃɑk/
n.
A sudden and intense feeling of surprise and distress triggered by an unexpected negative event.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old French 'choc' (collision), from Frankish *skok, ultimately imitative.
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine a shock of electricity: sudden, powerful, and impossible to ignore.
📖 Example
The news of his best friend moving abroad came as a complete shock to him.
He experienced a profound shock upon learning that his best friend was moving abroad.
🔗 Collocations
culture shock – The feeling of disorientation when encountering an unfamiliar culture.
shock wave – A wave of shock or surprise spreading through a group.
shell shock – A psychological condition caused by combat stress.
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
calm (n.) – A state of emotional peace without agitation.
composure (n.) – The state of being calm and in control of one's feelings.
equanimity (n.) – Mental calmness and composure, especially in difficult situations.
🌱 Derivatives
shocker (n.) – Something that causes shock or surprise.
shocking (adj.) – Causing shock or intense surprise.
shockingly (adv.) – In a shocking or surprising manner.
📖 Cultural Story
Originally a military term for a sudden clash of forces (14c.), later applied to emotional blow (17c.). No fabricated tales.
Meaning 2：electric shock (shock)
shock
/ʃɑk/
n.
A sudden flow of electricity through the body, or a sudden strong physical impact or vibration.
electric shock
➕
/ɪˈlɛktrɪk ʃɑk/
n.
A sudden flow of electricity through the body, or a sudden physical impact or vibration.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Be careful with that old lamp, you might get an electric shock if the wire is damaged.
You should be cautious with that old lamp; a damaged wire could give you an electric shock.
🔗 Collocations
electric shock – A sudden discharge of electricity through the body.
shock absorber – A device that dampens sudden impacts.
shock therapy – Medical treatment using electric shocks to the brain.
🔄 Synonyms
🌱 Derivatives
shocker (n.) – Something that causes shock or surprise.
shocking (adj.) – Causing shock or intense surprise.
shockingly (adv.) – In a shocking or surprising manner.
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser