#1 electric shock n. the use of electricity to administer punishment or torture; "they used cattle prods to administer electric shocks". wn #2 electric shock n. trauma caused by the passage of electric current through the body (as from contact with high voltage lines or being struck by lightning); usually involves burns and abnormal heart rhythm and unconsciousness. wn #3 electric shock n. a reflex response to the passage of electric current through the body; "subjects received a small electric shock when they made the wrong response"; "electricians get accustomed to occasional shocks". wn