shock

shock

shock¹ [shäk]

n.

[Fr choc < choquer: see SHOCK¹ the vt.]

1. the impact of persons, forces, etc. in combat or collision

2.

a) a sudden, powerful concussion; violent blow, shake, or jar [the shock of an earthquake]

b) the result or effect of such concussion

c) any sudden disturbance or agitation of the mind or emotions, as through great loss or surprise

d) something causing this

3. an extreme stimulation of the nerves, muscles, etc. accompanying the passage of electric current through the body [Informal]

4. short for SHOCK ABSORBER

5. Med. a disorder resulting from ineffective circulation of the blood, produced by hemorrhage, severe infection, disturbance of heart function, etc., and characterized by a marked decrease in blood pressure, a weak, rapid pulse, decreased kidney function, etc.

vt.

[MFr choquer, prob. < MDu schokken, to collide < IE * skeug-, to push, shoot, var. of base * skeub(h)-, SHOVE]

1. to disturb the mind or emotions of; affect with great surprise, distress, disgust, etc.

2. to affect with physical shock

3. to produce electrical shock in (a body)

vi.

1. Archaic to come together violently; collide

2. to be shocked, distressed, disgusted, etc. [she doesn't shock easily]

adj.

Informal of or characterized by content that is intentionally shocking, offensive, vulgar, etc. [shock art, shock radio]: see also SHOCK JOCK

shock² [shäk]

n.

[ME schokke, prob. via MDu or MLowG schok < IE * (s)keug- < base * keu-, to bend, arch > Russ kuča, a pile, HEAP: basic sense “rounded heap”]

a pile of grain sheaves, as of corn or wheat, stacked together on end to cure and dry

vt., vi.

to gather and pile in shocks

shock³ [shäk]

n.

[< ? SHOCK²]

a thick, bushy or tangled mass, as of hair

adj.

bushy or shaggy, as hair