[shock] n [ME; akin to MHG schoc heap] (14c): a pile of sheaves of grain or stalks of Indian corn set up in a field with the butt ends down
[2]shock vt (15c): to collect into shocks [3]shock n, often attrib [MF choc, fr. choquer to strike against, fr. OF choquier, prob. of Gmc origin; akin to MD schocken to jolt] (1565) 1: the impact or encounter of individuals or groups in combat
2. a: a violent shake or jar: concussion b: an effect of such violence 3 a (1): a disturbance in the equilibrium or permanence of something (2): a sudden or violent mental or emotional disturbance b: something that causes such disturbance c: a state of being so disturbed
4: a state of profound depression of the vital processes associated with reduced 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 muscles caused by the discharge of electricity through the animal body
6. a: stroke
5. b: coronary thrombosis 7: shock absorber [4]shock vt (1576) 1 a: to strike with surprise, terror, horror, or disgust b: to cause to undergo a physical or nervous shock c: to subject to the action of an electrical discharge
2: to drive by or as if by a shock ~ vi 1: to meet with a shock: collide
2: to cause surprise or shock -- shock.able adj [5]shock adj [perh. fr. [1]shock] (1681): bushy, shaggy [6]shock n (1819): a thick bushy mass (as of hair)