shock
1. shock \'sha:k\ n [ME; akin to MHG schoc heap, OE he-ah high - more at HIGHM : a pile of sheaves of grain or stalks of Indian corn set up in a field wi th the butt ends down 2. shock vt : to collect into shocks 3. shock n [MF choc, fr. choquer to strike against, fr. OF choquier, pro] often attrib b. of Gmc origin; akin to MD schocken to jolt 1: the impact or encounter of individuals or groups in combat 2a: a violent shake or jar : CONCUSSION 2b: an effect of such violence 3a1: a disturbance in the equilibrium or permanence of something 3a2: a sudden or violent disturbance in the mental or emotional faculties 3b: something that causes such disturbance 4: a state of profound depression of the vital processes associated with re duced blood volume and pressure and caused usu. by severe esp. crushing injuries, hemorrhage, or burns 5: sudden stimulation of the nerves and convulsive contraction of the muscl es caused by the discharge of electricity through the animal body 6a: APOPLEXY 6b: CORONARY THROMBOSIS 4. shock vt 1a: to strike with surprise, terror, horror, or disgust 1b: to cause to undergo a physical or nervous shock 1c: to subject to the action of an electrical discharge 2: to drive into or out of by or as if by a shock : to meet with a shock : COLLIDE 5. shock n [perh. fr. 1shock] : a thick bushy mass (as of hair) 6. shock aj : BUSHY, SHAGGY
Webster's English Dictionary