shocking
/ˈʃɒkɪŋ/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: shockings
Sense 1
Meaning · English
Inspiring shock; startling.
Adjective
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
Unusually obscene or lewd.
Adjective
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
Meaning · English
The application of an electric shock.
Noun
Examples
We terrorize millions of vulnerable and defenseless animals daily with painful shockings, beatings, brandings, […]
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “shocking” mean?
Inspiring shock; startling.
Is “shocking” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.