shock

A strong feeling of surprise or distress caused by something unexpected.

• I got a shock when I saw the bill.
• She was in shock after the accident.
• His shock at their decision soon turned to anger.

How to use it: shock at something (Her shock at the news was clear.); in shock (He sat in shock after hearing the result.)

Similar words: surprise, distress

Common phrases: in shock, get a shock, recover from shock

A sudden, unpleasant or painful feeling when electricity passes through your body.

• The wire gave me a shock.
• Switch off the power to avoid an electric shock.
• He received a severe shock from the damaged cable.

Similar words: electric jolt

Common phrases: electric shock, get a shock, give a shock

Something unexpected that makes someone feel very surprised or upset.

• The news was a shock.
• Her unexpected resignation came as a shock to everyone.
• Finding the house empty was quite a shock.

How to use it: a shock to someone (His departure was a shock to the whole team.)

Similar words: surprise, blow

Common phrases: come as a shock, big shock, terrible shock

A sudden, strong hit or movement when things strike each other.

• The shock shook the whole carriage.
• The helmet absorbed some of the shock.
• We felt a sharp shock when the boat struck the rock.

Similar words: impact, jolt

Common phrases: absorb shock, shock wave, shock of impact

A dangerous condition in which too little blood reaches the body’s organs, often after serious injury.

• The patient went into shock.
• Heavy bleeding can cause shock.
• Doctors treated her for shock after the accident.

Common phrases: go into shock, treat shock, severe shock

A brief, small burst of electricity felt when touching something after electric charge builds up.

• The door handle gave me a small shock.
• Walking on the carpet caused a static shock.
• I felt a tiny shock when our fingers touched.

Similar words: zap

Common phrases: static shock, tiny shock, get a shock

Unexpected and causing great surprise or distress.

• The team suffered a shock defeat.
• Her shock resignation left the office in confusion.
• A shock victory put the youngest candidate in charge.

Similar words: unexpected, surprising, startling

Opposites: expected

Common phrases: shock announcement, shock defeat, shock decision

To make someone feel very surprised, upset, or offended.

• The news shocked me.
• His rude behavior shocked the guests.
• Were you shocked to hear about their decision?

How to use it: be shocked by something (We were shocked by the news.); be shocked at something (She was shocked at the price.); be shocked to do something (I was shocked to hear that he had left.)

Similar words: startle, stun, appall

Common phrases: shock someone, shock the public