shock
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ʃɑk/
KK: /ʃɑk/
intransitive verb
Definition
To experience a sudden and intense feeling of surprise or distress.
Example
She was shocked to hear the unexpected news.
Tense Forms
Past: shocked
Past Participle: shocked
Conversation
Did you see the car shock into the tree earlier?
Yeah, it was such a sudden impact!
I couldn't believe how fast it happened; that shock was intense.
Definitely, I hope everyone inside is okay.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
collide
impact
crash
Antonyms
separate
avoid
miss
noun
Definition
A sudden and intense feeling of surprise or distress, often caused by an unexpected event or situation.
Example
She was in shock after hearing the bad news about her friend.
Conversation
Did you hear about the sudden price increase on groceries?
Yeah, it was such a shock to everyone.
I know, right? It's hard to keep up with those changes.
transitive verb
Definition
To cause someone to feel sudden surprise or distress, or to make someone experience a strong emotional reaction.
Example
The news of the accident shocked everyone in the room.
Tense Forms
Past: shocked
Past Participle: shocked
Conversation
Did you hear the news about Mark?
Yeah, it really shocked me when I found out.
I know! I couldn't believe it either.
Root Explanation
Shock originates from Old English 'sceocca' (meaning a sudden disturbance or jolt). The word describes a sudden and intense disturbance or impact, often causing surprise or dismay.
Memory Tip
Think of a sudden 'disturbance' — that's what shock means, like when something unexpected happens.
Visually Confused Words
sock
hock
shylock
stock
spock
socky
snock
smock