shocking
An unexpected event or news can be shocking. Something that surprises us a lot might shock our feelings.
When we hear something really surprising or upsetting, like a sudden death or an unexpected failure of a business, we often describe it as shocking. We might also say someone's behavior is shocking if they do something really surprising or inappropriate, like wearing a provocative outfit to a formal event. But the word can also be used for good surprises, like finding out you've won a big prize or got accepted into your dream college.
How common is "shocking"?
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.
verb
To cause to be emotionally shocked, to cause (someone) to feel surprised and upset.
Example: The disaster shocked the world.
verb
To collect, or make up, into a shock or shocks; to stook.
Example: to shock rye
noun
The application of an electric shock.
adjective
Inspiring shock; startling.
Real examples of "shocking" in context
