shock

[shok] / ʃɒk /

NOUN

complete surprise; blow

Synonyms

STRONGEST

awe bump collapse confusion consternation disturbance earthquake excitement impact injury jolt scare trauma

STRONG

bombshell breakdown clash collision concussion crash distress encounter hysteria jarring percussion prostration ram start stroke stupefaction stupor turn upset whammy wreck

WEAK

double whammy eye-opener traumatism

Antonyms

STRONGEST

calm calmness composure tranquility

WEAK

expectation

VERB

completely surprise

Synonyms

STRONGEST

agitate anger astound awe disgust dismay displease disturb flabbergast horrify insult jar jolt offend outrage overwhelm paralyze rock shake shake up sicken startle stun traumatize unsettle

STRONG

abash antagonize daze disquiet electrify flood floor nauseate numb overcome revolt scandalize stagger stupefy

WEAK

bowl over give a turn hit like ton of bricks knock out throw a curve

Antonyms

STRONGEST

appease calm expect

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

His death Thursday at age 41 came as a shock to the racing world.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

In 1990-91 the Fed initially looked through the Gulf War oil shock.

From MarketWatch • May 22, 2026

For fans, the announcement may not have come as a complete surprise, but it was still met with shock and sadness.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

Similarly, his cultural allusions no longer provoke even a tingle, let alone a shock of recognition.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

Berrycloth looks at him, his expression a mixture of hurt and shock.

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin