CULTURE SHOCK Definition & Meaning

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culture shock

noun

a state of bewilderment and distress experienced by an individual who is suddenly exposed to a new, strange, or foreign social and cultural environment.

culture shock

noun

sociol the feelings of isolation, rejection, etc, experienced when one culture is brought into sudden contact with another, as when a primitive tribe is confronted by modern civilization

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Other 51�Թ� Forms

culture-shocked adjective

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of culture shock¹

First recorded in 1955–60

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Idioms and Phrases

A state of confusion and anxiety experienced by someone upon encountering an alien environment. For example, It's not just jet lag—it's the culture shock of being in a new country. This term was first used by social scientists to describe, for example, the experience of a person moving from the country to a big city. It is now used more loosely, as in the example. [Late 1930s]

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Where they live during this time is causing tensions between the council and parents - and it can also come as a culture shock to the young islanders.

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Life in London is culture shock for Coralie after growing up in Australia.

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"We are all dealing with culture shock," he says over a steady hum of telephone calls.

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Goldstein dives into the culture shock of being plunged into the American comedy scene, visiting the White House, his love of musicals, and why his experience on “Sesame Street” changed his life forever.

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Jones admits she has faced a huge culture shock as she has learned about the "sweet science" of boxing.

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culture pattern culture specific syndrome

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