shock and awe

American  

[shok uhn aw] / ˈʃɒk ən ˈɔ /

noun

1. Military. a strategy of overwhelming the enemy quickly with an impressive show of military might (often used attributively).

   The war planners freely admit to using shock and awe tactics, targeting civilian and military targets alike with massive bombardment.

2. an attempt to intimidate and defeat an opponent or advance one’s interests by an impressive show, as of power and authority, bravado, risk taking, etc. (often used attributively).

   It's hard to look at this latest escapade of theirs as anything but shock and awe to garner fame and fortune.

   She’s not a shock and awe type of leader.

3. a state of being overwhelmed, dismayed, or greatly surprised and impressed.

   We are already watching in shock and awe the disastrous consequences of not taking appropriate action on climate change.

   Even those with no interest in architecture will experience shock and awe at the sight of the new concert hall’s curvaceous stainless steel exterior.

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verb (used with or without object)

shocked and awed, shocking and aweing

1. to overwhelm or defeat with an impressive show of power and authority or of military might.

   Could we shock and awe another planet into surrender if it didn't have the technology to meet our offensive?

2. to very greatly surprise or impress; stun; dazzle.

   At $800 each, the new magnesium alloy reel shocked and awed anglers and left everyone staggered by its lightness.

Etymology

Origin of shock and awe

First recorded in 1865–70; 1995–2000 shock and awe for def. 1

Example Sentences

Shock and awe over the Venezuelan capital followed.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Europe has been an oasis of predictability, not shock and awe,” says Michael Kelly, head of PineBridge Investment’s multi-asset strategy.

From Barron's

“There is no ‘shock and awe’ solution to the Iranian question,” said Danny Citrinowicz, a fellow at the Tel Aviv-based Institute for National Security Studies, alluding to the U.S. bombing campaign before the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

From The Wall Street Journal

His decision to decline left the U.S. president little choice but to deliver the shock and awe.

From The Wall Street Journal

Two years later, Reiner directed and appeared in the 2017 film Shock and Awe, about a group of reporters covering the US invasion of Iraq in 2003.

From BBC