English Explanatory Dictionary

shock and awe

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A doctrine based on the use of spectacular displays of force.
verb
  1. To use the "shock and awe" doctrine in an actual or potential conflict, or to otherwise use a spectacular display of force or authority.

Pronunciation

/ˈʃɒk(ə)nd ˈɔː/ /ˈʃɑk(ə)nd ˈɔ/ /ˈʃɑk(ə)nd ˈɑ/ en-au-shock and awe.ogg

Word forms

shock and awe shocks and awes shocking and awing shocking and aweing shocked and awed

Etymology

Coined by American defence strategists Harlan Kenneth Ullman (born 1941) and James P. Wade, Jr., in Shock and Awe (1996): see the quotation. The term gained greater public attention during the 2003 invasion of Iraq by US troops.

Synonyms

rapid dominance
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