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Shocking Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shocking

[ˈʃɒkɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

reaction

Causing intense surprise, disgust, or disbelief.

Synonyms

appalling, astonishing, outrageous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shocking

Use this word when something is extremely surprising or upsetting in a negative way. It is generally used for situations that cause a strong emotional reaction.

  • The news of the accident was shocking.
  • Her behavior at the meeting was truly shocking.
astonishing

Use this word when something is surprising in a positive or neutral way. It is suitable for situations that are unexpectedly impressive or remarkable.

  • Her recovery from the illness was astonishing.
  • The view from the mountain was astonishing.
appalling

This word is used for situations that are so bad they cause a feeling of shock or horror. It often carries a stronger negative connotation than 'shocking'.

  • The living conditions in the refugee camp were appalling.
  • The amount of litter in the park is appalling.
outrageous

This word is used when something is shocking in a way that is unacceptable or offensive. It usually describes actions or behaviors that go beyond social norms.

  • His comments on social media were outrageous.
  • The cost of the meal was outrageous.

Examples of usage

  • The news of the scandal was shocking to everyone involved.
  • Her behavior at the party was shocking and inappropriate.
Context #2 | Adjective

impact

Having a strong effect on the emotions; causing a strong emotional reaction.

Synonyms

startling, striking, stunning.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shocking

Use when something is very surprising in a negative way, or when it causes a strong feeling of surprise and dismay.

  • The news of the accident was shocking
  • His behavior at the party was shocking to everyone
startling

It fits well when something is unexpected and causes someone to be slightly shocked or surprised.

  • The sudden fire alarm was startling
  • Her sudden appearance at the door was startling
striking

Appropriate when something catches attention due to its distinctiveness or beauty; often used in a positive sense.

  • Her dress was striking
  • The painting has striking colors
stunning

Best used when something is extremely impressive, beautiful, or attractive; typically in a positive sense.

  • The sunset was absolutely stunning
  • She looked stunning in her wedding dress

Examples of usage

  • The documentary had a shocking impact on the viewers.
  • The sudden loss of a loved one can be truly shocking.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In psychology, shocking information can trigger a fight-or-flight response, making a person feel threatened.
  • Unexpected events often lead to a state of cognitive dissonance, where one's beliefs or perceptions are suddenly challenged.
  • Shock can also be a powerful teaching tool, as surprising facts or events tend to stick in people's memory longer.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and music often use shocking twists to engage audiences, keeping them on the edge of their seats.
  • Shock value is a common technique in comedy, where unexpected jokes provoke laughter.
  • Social media can amplify shocking news, often leading to viral reactions and discussions.

Science

  • In electrical terms, a shock refers to a sudden discharge of electricity that can be dangerous.
  • Shock therapy has been a controversial treatment in psychiatry, where surprising stimuli can provoke strong emotional responses.
  • The body’s stress response is often triggered by shocking events, leading to increased heart rate and adrenaline production.

Literature

  • Shocking plot twists are a staple in literature, providing excitement and depth to storytelling.
  • Authors like Mary Shelley and Stephen King often use shocking elements to explore fear and morality.
  • Literary shock can challenge societal norms, prompting readers to think critically about taboo subjects.

Origin of 'shocking'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English 'shokken,' which meant to shake or cause alarm.
  • Its roots can be traced back to Old English 'scoh,' referring to a disturbance or uproar.
  • The modern usage of the term began to appear in the late 18th century, evolving into its current meaning of causing surprise or horror.

The word 'shocking' originates from the verb 'shock', which can be traced back to the Middle French word 'choquer' meaning 'to collide, strike'. Over time, the term evolved to convey the idea of causing surprise or disgust. The adjectival form 'shocking' emerged in the 17th century, becoming a popular term to describe something that causes intense surprise or emotional impact.

See also: shock, shocked, shocker, shockingly, shocks.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,773, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.