Definition of shockingly

The word "shockingly" has its roots in the 15th century. The verb "to shock" originally meant "to strike or hit" and was derived from the Old English word "scocan," meaning "to strike" or "to hit." Over time, the meaning of "to shock" expanded to include the idea of causing a strong and often unpleasant emotion, such as surprise, alarm, or disgust. The adverb "shockingly" emerged in the 17th century, initially meaning "in a shocking manner" or "in a way that is shocking." It was often used to describe something that was not only unexpected but also disturbing or offensive. Today, "shockingly" is used to express astonishment, disbelief, or dismay at something that is unusual, surprising, or disturbing.