Definition of SHOCK

Definition of Shock

Shock refers to a sudden or violent mental or emotional disturbance, or a disruption in the stability or permanence of something. It is an event that causes a significant disturbance or upheaval in a system or individual.

Related Terms

Several terms are closely associated with shock, each describing a form of violent or forceful contact between two or more things:

Impact: This term is used to describe contact between two objects, where at least one is forced toward the other. Impact often refers to a collision or forceful interaction.
Collision: A collision involves the forceful coming together of two or more objects, often causing damage or hindering progress.
Shock: Shock typically describes the effect resulting from a collision. It suggests something that strikes or hits with considerable force.
Concussion: While often used in a technical sense, concussion usually refers to the shattering or weakening effects of a collision, explosion, or blow.

Etymology

The word "shock" originates from the Middle French choc, which comes from the verb choquer, meaning "to strike against." This term is likely of Germanic origin, related to the Middle Dutch schocken, meaning "to jolt."

"Shock often denotes the effect produced by a collision and carries the suggestion of something that strikes or hits with force."

Author's Summary: Shock is a violent disturbance, either emotional or physical, often resulting from a forceful impact, collision, or blow, with a significant impact on equilibrium.

Merriam-Webster — 2025-11-17