Definition

1. Noun:
   • A reflex response to the passage of electric current through the body: A sudden, involuntary physical reaction caused by electricity passing through a person's or animal's body.
   • Trauma caused by the passage of electric current through the body: A serious injury resulting from contact with a significant electrical source, often involving burns, heart problems, and loss of consciousness.

Usage

• The term "electric shock" refers to the event or experience of receiving a shock from electricity. It can describe both minor, startling incidents and severe, life-threatening injuries.
• It is commonly used in medical, safety, and general contexts.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The faulty appliance gave him a mild electric shock.
  • Severe electric shock from downed power lines requires immediate medical attention.
  • In the experiment, a small electric shock was used as a stimulus.

Advanced Usage

• "to receive/get an electric shock": To experience an electric shock.
  • Be careful not to receive an electric shock from that exposed wire.
• "to administer/deliver an electric shock": To cause someone or something to experience an electric shock, often deliberately.
  • The device can administer an electric shock to restart the heart.

Variants and Related Words

• Shock (noun): A more general term for a sudden, upsetting experience or a violent impact. In medical contexts, it can also mean a life-threatening condition where blood flow is insufficient. The electrical meaning is often specified as "electric shock" or "electrical shock" for clarity.
  • The news came as a shock. (emotional surprise)
  • The patient is in shock. (medical condition)
  • He suffered an electrical shock while working. (injury from electricity)
• Electrocution (noun): Death or execution caused by electric shock.
  • Faulty wiring led to his electrocution.

Synonyms

• Electrical shock: A synonymous phrase.
• Jolt: Can describe a sudden, sharp movement or surprise, and is sometimes used informally for a minor electric shock.

Related Phrases

• Electric shock therapy/treatment: A dated term for Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), a psychiatric treatment.
  • Electric shock therapy is now more safely administered as ECT.
• Shock hazard: A danger or risk of receiving an electric shock.
  • The label warns of a potential shock hazard.

Noun

1. a reflex response to the passage of electric current through the body
   • subjects received a small electric shock when they made the wrong response
   • electricians get accustomed to occasional shocks
2. trauma caused by the passage of electric current through the body (as from contact with high voltage lines or being struck by lightning); usually involves burns and abnormal heart rhythm and unconsciousness
3. the use of electricity to administer punishment or torture
   • they used cattle prods to administer electric shocks