to strike or jar with intense surprise, horror, disgust, etc.: He enjoyed shocking people. to strike against violently. to give an electric shock to.

Understanding the Context

to undergo a shock. shock′a bil′i ty, n. shock′ed ness, n. 8.

Key Insights

stagger, astound, stupefy. Shock, startle, paralyze, stun suggest a sudden, sharp surprise that affects one somewhat like a blow.