shell shock

noun

1. battle fatigue.

shell shock

noun

1. loss of sight, memory, etc, resulting from psychological strain during prolonged engagement in warfare Also calledcombat neurosis

Other Words From

• shell-shocked shellshocked adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of shell shock¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

Only back then it was called “shell shock” or “battle fatigue.”

From The Daily Beast

In the past it's been called everything from shell shock to battle fatigue.

From The Daily Beast

Many of the refugees were suffering from what the humans referred to as 'shell shock'.

From The Daily Beast

His family, friends, and fiancée seem to be in varying stages of shell-shock, or denial.

From The Daily Beast

The effect of shell-shock on the moral fabric, even in officers of the highest character, is well known.

From Project Gutenberg

"Shell shock" experiences have shown us that the intellect is largely the source of unfavorable suggestion.

From Project Gutenberg

Colonel Crofton had committed suicide, a result, it was stated, of depression owing to shell-shock.

From Project Gutenberg

"It must be shell-shock, and a very bad case—probably supposed to be cured, and sent up here to recuperate," thought Colwyn.

From Project Gutenberg

I was under the impression it was a bad case of shell-shock, but your remarks suggest that it is something worse.

From Project Gutenberg