Shocking

Definition

Shocking often refers to something that causes intense surprise, disgust, or indignation.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Verb (present participle)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈʃɑkɪŋ/
• Respelling: SHAWK-ing (with "SHAWK" as in "shock," and "ing" as in "sing")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈʃɒkɪŋ/
• Respelling: SHOK-ing (with "SHOK" as in "shock," and "ing" as in "sing")

In both dialects, "shocking" starts with the "sh" sound, followed by the vowel sound that differs slightly between American (a more open "aw" as in "shock") and British English (a more rounded "o" as in "shock"), then continues with the "k" sound, and ends with the "ing" sound. The primary stress is on the first syllable, "SHOCK."

Etymology

The term "shocking" stems from the verb "shock," which originated from the Old French word "choquer," meaning to strike against. The modern usage as an adjective to express intense surprise or disgust developed over time, paralleling the verb’s evolution to signify a severe impact—physical or metaphorical—upon an individual or entity.

Derivatives

• Shocker
• Shockingly
• Shocked

Synonyms

Adjective

• Astonishing
• Surprising

Verb (present participle)

• Startling
• Stunning

Antonyms

Adjective

• Pleasing
• Delightful

Usage

The term "shocking" is often used to describe situations, actions, or materials that cause intense surprise, horror, or disgust, typically evoking strong emotional reactions.

Related Terms

• Astonishment
• Disbelief
• Outrage

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Causing Intense Surprise, Horror, or Disgust: Used to describe something that evokes strong and usually adverse emotional reactions.
• Example: The shocking news of the disaster left everyone in dismay.

• Offensively Bold: In some contexts, it can be used to describe actions or attitudes that are deemed as offensively bold or inappropriate.
• Example: His shocking disregard for the rules resulted in a severe reprimand.

Verb (present participle)

• Causing someone to feel surprised, horrified, or disgusted: When acting as a verb in its present participle form, shocking represents the act of inducing these strong emotional responses in individuals.
• Example: The negligence of the company was shocking the public and causing a stir in the community.