shock
UK[ʃɒk]US[ʃɑːk]
n
a sudden, upsetting, or surprising event or experience
n
a violent collision or impact
n
a medical condition caused by severe injury, pain, or emotional distress, resulting in a drop in blood flow
v
to cause someone to feel surprised and upset
v
to collide with force
Etymology
the word "shock" entered english in the mid-16th century, originally meaning a violent collision of armed forces or a clash. it was borrowed from the french "choc" (a violent attack) and the verb "choquer" (to strike against). the french terms likely derive from an old dutch or middle low german word "schokken," meaning to jolt or shake. the medical sense developed in the mid-18th century, while the psychological sense of a sudden mental disturbance emerged in the early 19th century. the journey from a physical collision to a physiological and emotional state illustrates a classic semantic broadening, where the core idea of a sudden, violent jolt was metaphorically extended to internal bodily and mental experiences.
Analysis
the word is a simplex loanword. it does not neatly divide into productive morphemes in modern english based on its current spelling.
Examples
the news of his death came as a terrible shock to everyone.
the earthquake sent a shock through the entire building.
the patient went into shock after the accident and required immediate treatment.