B2noun1K

Shock

UK /["/ʃɒk/"]/US /["/ʃɑːk/"]/

Definition

a strong feeling of surprise as a result of something happening, especially something unpleasant; the event that causes this feeling

In simple words: A sudden feeling of surprise or fear.

Examples

  • The news of his sudden departure was a shock to everyone in the office.
  • After the car accident, she was in shock and couldn't remember anything.
  • The movie was so intense that it left me in shock for hours afterward.
  • He experienced a shock when he learned that he had won the lottery.
  • The doctor explained that electrical shock can cause serious injuries.
  • She was shocked to discover that her best friend had lied to her.
  • The shock of the loud explosion made everyone jump.
  • He tried to shake off the shock from the unexpected news.

Usage notes

Use 'shock' when referring to a strong emotional response, often negative. It can be used in formal contexts, but be cautious with emotional topics. In informal settings, it's common to describe surprising events.

Grammar pattern

shock + object

Memory hint

Think of someone receiving an electric shock, feeling surprised and jarred.

Collocations

  • awful
  • big
  • considerable
  • come as
  • feel
  • get
  • tactics
  • value
  • jock
  • in shock
  • with a shock
  • shock at
  • a bit of a shock
  • quite a shock
  • something of a shock
  • deep
  • severe
  • mild
  • be in
  • be suffering from
  • suffer
  • massive
  • severe
  • mild
  • get
  • receive
  • give somebody
  • therapy

Synonyms

  • surprise
  • jolt
  • startle
  • alarm
  • disbelief

Antonyms

  • calm
  • comfort
  • ease

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'shocked' as an adjective, forgetting the noun form.
  • Using 'shock' when describing a mild surprise instead of something severe.
  • Mixing up 'shock' with unrelated words like 'surprise' or 'alarm'.