Definitions

shock

[shok] / ʃɒk /

NOUN

complete surprise; blow

Synonyms

STRONGEST

awe bump collapse confusion consternation disturbance earthquake excitement impact injury jolt scare trauma

STRONG

bombshell breakdown clash collision concussion crash distress encounter hysteria jarring percussion prostration ram start stroke stupefaction stupor turn upset whammy wreck

WEAK

double whammy eye-opener traumatism

Antonyms

STRONGEST

calm calmness composure tranquility

WEAK

expectation

VERB

completely surprise

Synonyms

STRONGEST

agitate anger astound awe disgust dismay displease disturb flabbergast horrify insult jar jolt offend outrage overwhelm paralyze rock shake shake up sicken startle stun traumatize unsettle

STRONG

abash antagonize daze disquiet electrify flood floor nauseate numb overcome revolt scandalize stagger stupefy

WEAK

bowl over give a turn hit like ton of bricks knock out throw a curve

Antonyms

STRONGEST

appease calm expect

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The European Central Bank, in hiking interest rates on Thursday for the first time since 2023, is making a choice the Federal Reserve is not: to increase rates into a supply shock.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 11, 2026

Again, I think the country was in such shock that it just seemed like another surreal moment among hundreds of them.

From Salon • Jun. 11, 2026

The core rate is still too high, but its decline to 0.2% from 0.4% in April suggests the oil shock isn’t spreading into the broader economy, at least so far.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

Hugh said the diagnosis was "quite a shock", adding: "I really didn't expect that because I had no pain, just a little bit short of breath if I was doing heavy exercise."

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

Ellis's flight from the forest had been a great shock to her.

From "Rowan of Rin" by Emily Rodda

shock

Example Sentences

Related Words