shock and awe

[ shok uhn aw ]

noun

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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, shock·ing and awe·ing

1. 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?

2. 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of shock and awe¹

First recorded in 1865–70; 1995–2000 shock and awe fordef 1

Example Sentences

Donald Trump is moving very quickly with his “shock and awe” plans to rule as an autocrat who views multiracial pluralistic democracy and its system of checks and balance as an impediment to his power.

From Salon

“I got three words for them – shock and awe,” he said in an interview with Donald Trump Jr. earlier this week.

From Salon

The “shock and awe” engendered by such an attack was probably being held in reserve for a moment of maximum need: either when Israel was about to launch a major assault on Lebanon or when it felt Hezbollah might be about to act first.

From BBC

“Shock and awe and the use of overwhelming power didn’t really work on them when it was a coalition of countries hammering them,” Omeisy said.

From Los Angeles Times

“The Israeli attack was meant to shock and awe, but unfortunately you’re dealing with the Houthis,” said Hisham Omeisy, a U.S.-based Yemeni analyst.

From Los Angeles Times