SHOCK
Shock, v. i.
Defn: To be occupied with making shocks. Reap well, scatter not, gather clean that is shorn, Bind fast, shock apace. Tusser.
SHOCK Shock, n. Etym: [Cf. D. schok a bounce, jolt, or leap, OHG. scoc a swing, MHG. schoc, Icel. skykkjun tremuously, F. choc a shock, collision, a dashing or striking against, Sp. choque, It. ciocco a log. sq. root161. Cf. Shock to shake.]
1. A quivering or shaking which is the effect of a blow, collision, or violent impulse; a blow, impact, or collision; a concussion; a sudden violent impulse or onset. These strong, unshaken mounds resist the shocks Of tides and seas tempestuous. Blackmore. He stood the shock of a whole host of foes. Addison.
2. A sudden agitation of the mind or feelings; a sensation of pleasure or pain caused by something unexpected or overpowering; also, a sudden agitating or overpowering event. "A shock of pleasure." Talfourd.
3. (Med.)
Defn: A sudden depression of the vital forces of the entire body, or of a port of it, marking some profound impression produced upon the nervous system, as by severe injury, overpowering emotion, or the like.
4. (Elec.)
Defn: The sudden convulsion or contraction of the muscles, with the feeling of a concussion, caused by the discharge, through the animal system, of electricity from a charged body.
Syn. — Concussion, Shock. Both words signify a sudden violent shaking caused by impact or colision; but concussion is restricted in use to matter, while shock is used also of mental states.