n.
Function: noun
Usage: often attrib
Etymology: Middle French choc, from choquer to strike against, from Old French choquier, probably of Germanic origin; akin to Middle Dutch schocken to jolt
Date: 1565
1 : the impact or encounter of individuals or groups in combat
2 a : a violent shake or jar : CONCUSSION b : an effect of such violence
3 a (1) : a disturbance in the equilibrium or permanence of something (2) : a sudden or violent mental or emotional disturbance b : something that causes such disturbance <the loss came as a shock > c : a state of being so disturbed <were in shock after they heard the news>
4 : a state of profound depression of the vital processes associated with reduced blood volume and pressure and caused usually by severe especially crushing injuries, hemorrhage, or burns
5 : sudden stimulation of the nerves and convulsive contraction of the muscles caused by the discharge of electricity through the animal body
6 a : STROKE 5 b : CORONARY THROMBOSIS
7 : SHOCK ABSORBER
synonyms see IMPACT