1.
shock; impact; blow (physical)
a sudden forceful collision or jolt
衝撃で窓ガラスが割れた。
The window glass broke from the impact.
衝撃を吸収する素材を使っている。
It uses a shock-absorbing material.
落下の衝撃で壊れた。
It broke from the impact of the fall.
2.
shock; impact (emotional/psychological)
a sudden disturbing effect on emotions or mind
そのニュースは世界中に衝撃を与えた。
That news sent shockwaves around the world.
彼の死は大きな衝撃だった。
His death was a great shock.
衝撃的な事実が明らかになった。
A shocking fact came to light.
衝撃 has both a physical meaning (a forceful impact or collision) and a figurative meaning (emotional shock or astonishment).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 衝撃を受ける: to receive a shock
- 衝撃を与える: to give/deliver a shock
- 衝撃を吸収する: to absorb impact
- 衝撃的(な): shocking, sensational
COMPOUNDS:
- 耐衝撃: shock-resistant
- 衝撃吸収: shock absorption
- 衝撃波: shock wave
USAGE:
In news and everyday conversation, the figurative sense (emotional shock) is more common: そのニュースは衝撃だった (That news was a shock). The physical sense appears in technical and product descriptions.