1. A sudden and severe measure or punishment utilized to produce a quick and effective result. It is clear now that the policy of punishing young offenders with a short, sharp shock is much less effective than education and emotional training. The financial bailout was meant to be a short, sharp shock to the economy, but the country's sluggish recovery has meant it's been in place for far longer than intended.

2. An experience that is brief but intense. Our latest recipe gives a short, sharp shock of flavor that dissipates into a more mellow, long-lasting taste.