French Conversation · Level 11
89 words
French word
choquer
Pronunciation
IPA/ʃoke/
Meaning
- verbshock
Example
Sa remarque a choqué tout le monde.
His remark shocked everyone.
More examples
La scène violente du film a choqué les voisins.
The violent scene in the film shocked the neighbors.
Core concept
A sudden blow lands on a person or their feelings, whether caused by contact, words, or a sight.
Common phrases
choquer la sensibilité
shock the sensibilities
choquer quelqu'un
shock somebody
Similar words
offenser: To hurt someone's pride or feelings and make them feel offended or angry.
blesser: To cause emotional pain or sadness through words or actions.
surprendre: To suddenly surprise someone with an unexpected event.
Definition in French
Provoquer un choc ou une forte surprise chez quelqu'un, soit par un acte, soit par des paroles ou des images.
Word origin
French choquer is historically related to choc, the word for a physical impact, and the impact notion extends to strong mental effects.
Usage tips
- Choquer takes a direct object for the person affected, as in choquer quelqu'un, rather than a preposition before that person.