shock and awe

[ shok uhn aw ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

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.
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.
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.

shocked and awed, shocking and aweing

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?
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.

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

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Examples have not been reviewed.

The shock and awe of these first three months has left the country dazed and confused and it is starting to rebel.

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With all its spectacle and chaos, Donald Trump’s shock and awe strategy is both domestic and global.

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Donald Trump’s shock and awe campaign has been so effective, largely because he is a high-dominance leader.

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�� story are you seeing when you view Trump’s tariffs and larger economic shock and awe regime through your expert lenses?

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How are you feeling given the destruction being caused by the Trump administration’s shock and awe campaign against American democracy and society?

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