shocker

American  

[shok-er] / ˈʃɒk ər /

noun

1. a person or thing that shocks. shock.

2. a sensational novel, play, etc.

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shocker British  

/ ˈʃɒkə /

noun

1. a person or thing that shocks or horrifies

2. a sensational novel, film, or play

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Etymology

Origin of shocker

First recorded in 1780–90; shock ¹ + -er ¹

Example Sentences

There were suspicions in the first Test that all might not be well with Snicko and the technology had an all-time shocker on the first day of the third Test in Adelaide.

From BBC

Still, as one of the most consistently successful coaches of his time, the move to dismiss Harbaugh came as a shocker.

From The Wall Street Journal

The study was a shocker when it was first published in April 2024.

From The Wall Street Journal

Her tales defy easy categorization—suspense shockers? ghost stories? horror sketches?—even as they insinuate themselves into our souls.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Dodgers became the first team to repeat as World Series champions in 25 years, defeating the Toronto Blue Jays in an 11-inning, comeback shocker.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• close call