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