SHOCK AND AWE Definition & Meaning

shock and awe

[shok uhn aw]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

Military.��a strategy of overwhelming the enemy quickly with an impressive show of military might (often used attributively).
The war planners freely admit to using shock and awe tactics, targeting civilian and military targets alike with massive bombardment.
an attempt to intimidate and defeat an opponent or advance one’s interests by an impressive show, as of power and authority, bravado, risk taking, etc. (often used attributively).
It's hard to look at this latest escapade of theirs as anything but shock and awe to garner fame and fortune.
She’s not a shock and awe type of leader.
a state of being overwhelmed, dismayed, or greatly surprised and impressed.
We are already watching in shock and awe the disastrous consequences of not taking appropriate action on climate change.
Even those with no interest in architecture will experience shock and awe at the sight of the new concert hall’s curvaceous stainless steel exterior.

verb (used with or without object)

shocked and awed, shocking and aweing

to overwhelm or defeat with an impressive show of power and authority or of military might.
Could we shock and awe another planet into surrender if it didn't have the technology to meet our offensive?
to very greatly surprise or impress; stun; dazzle.
At $800 each, the new magnesium alloy reel shocked and awed anglers and left everyone staggered by its lightness.

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of shock and awe¹

First recorded in 1865–70; 1995–2000 shock and awe for def. 1

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The administration's shock and awe strategy has left the country dizzy.

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“Everyone was in shock and awe.”

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The American people remain in a deep slumber and state of learned helplessness as Donald Trump and his forces continue with the shock and awe campaign against American democracy, civil society, the rule of law, the Constitution and human decency.

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But beyond all the visual shock and awe, it’s Ethan and his cohorts' bleeding-heart humanity that makes the “Mission: Impossible” films so affecting.

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The Democrats and the so-called Resistance are celebrating how the courts and civil society organizations appear to be blunting Trump’s ‘shock and awe” and shock therapy campaign against American democracy and the American people.

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shock absorber shock cuffs

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