shock value

noun

The potential of an image, action, etc. to provoke a sharp reaction, typically of a negative emotion.

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Meanings

nounshock value (uncountable)
  1. uncountableThe potential of an image, action, etc. to provoke a sharp reaction, typically of a negative emotion.
Cite this entry
APA

shock value. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/shock%20value

MLA

“shock value.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/shock%20value. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “shock value,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/shock%20value.

Source: shock value on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.