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.

"It was just a complete shock," she said.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

Instead, she said the energy shock is enduring longer than experts initially predicted, and there are signs of it broadening.

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

British Defence Secretary John Healey resigned on Thursday, in a shock move which he blamed on Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the finance ministry failing to commit sufficient resources to defence investment.

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

The memories suddenly came rushing back to me: Jemma used to put grasshoppers in my hair to frighten me, and I liked to put June bugs on her shoulders to give her a shock.

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan

shock

Example Sentences

Related Words