shell-struck
The shell-struck building had a large, jagged hole in its brick facade and shattered windows.
Definition
- Adjective:
- Affected by shell shock: "shell-struck" describes a person who is suffering from the psychological trauma caused by exposure to artillery bombardment, especially during war. It is a historical and informal term for what is now called combat stress reaction or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in military contexts.
Usage Examples
- (He was psychologically traumatized by constant artillery attacks.)
- (They suffered from the psychological effects of war.)
Advanced Usage
- "shell-struck" as a figurative term: It can occasionally be used metaphorically to describe someone who is mentally stunned or overwhelmed by a sudden, shocking event, not necessarily related to war.
- After the sudden loss of her job, she felt shell-struck and could not think clearly. (She was emotionally stunned and disoriented.)
Variants and Related Words
- Shell shock (noun): the psychological condition of being shell-struck; a term used especially in World War I.
- He was diagnosed with shell shock after the battle. (The medical condition resulting from combat trauma.)
- Shell-shocked (adjective): a common modern variant meaning the same as "shell-struck"; often used figuratively.
- The community was shell-shocked by the earthquake. (They were deeply shocked and confused.)
Synonyms
- Traumatized: having experienced severe emotional or psychological shock.
- Stunned: rendered unconscious or confused by a blow or shock.
- Dazed: unable to think or react properly; bewildered.
Related Idioms
- Shook up: emotionally disturbed or upset (informal).
- He was really shook up after the accident. (He was very upset and anxious.)
- Battle-fatigued: exhausted and psychologically affected by prolonged combat.
- The battle-fatigued soldier could not sleep without nightmares. (He was worn out from war.)