electric shock

American  

noun

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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Etymology

Origin of electric shock

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

These included a food blender which emitted smoke and a hairstyler that could cause an electric shock.

From BBC • Dec. 20, 2025

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

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

Ms Kaviya said the tumour had left her suffering from headaches which "felt like an electric shock on my face", meaning she was at times unable to eat or brush her teeth.

From BBC • Jan. 20, 2025

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

From "The Titan's Curse" by Rick Riordan