Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

electric shock

American  

noun

  1. shock.


electric shock British  

noun

  1. Sometimes shortened to: shock.  the physiological reaction, characterized by pain and muscular spasm, to the passage of an electric current through the body. It can affect the respiratory system and heart rhythm

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of electric shock

First recorded in 1940–45

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.

It was "an electric shock, a wake-up call about what changing our diets can mean for intensive animal farming and for deforestation", said the 63-year-old retiree, who lives in Ermenonville, an hour from Paris.

From Barron's • Oct. 30, 2025

It is often described as a sharp shooting pain or like having an electric shock in the jaw, teeth or gums, according to the NHS.

From BBC • Jul. 15, 2025

Depending on the severity of the crash, an electric vehicle’s high-voltage, lithium ion battery could be at risk of being damaged, catching fire or delivering an electric shock to anyone who touches it.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2025

It means medical staff will not attempt chest compressions or defibrillation, where an electric shock is applied to restore normal heart rhythm, if the patient's heart or breathing stops.

From BBC • Oct. 10, 2024

He straightened as if I’d just given him an electric shock.

From "The Titan's Curse" by Rick Riordan

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "electric shock" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com