electric shock

American  

noun

electric shocks plural

1. shock.

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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

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• electric shocks
  plural

Etymology

Origin of electric shock

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

electric shock

Capanna said a universal travel adaptor that lets multiple pins extend at once is "the most immediate sign it is dangerous", posing real risks of electric shock or electrocution.

From BBC ● Jul. 28, 2026

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

On doorsteps, put down mats that cause a mild electric shock when a bear steps on them; they’re called “unwelcome mats.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 9, 2025

There’s also the risk of dangerous electric shock because the vehicles rely on much more electric power than the body can withstand.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 30, 2025

Mark slipped out the window several inches—a thunderbolt of pure terror flashed through him like an electric shock before his progress stopped again.

From "The Kill Order (Maze Runner, Book Four; Origin)" by James Dashner