shock and awe

Meanings

Noun

• A doctrine based on the use of spectacular displays of force.

Verb

• To utilize the "shock and awe" doctrine in an actual or potential conflict, or to otherwise utilize a spectacular display of force or authority.

Related

Similar words

• rapid dominance

Origin

• Coined by American defence strategists Harlan Kenneth Ullman (born 1941) and James P. Wade, Jr., in Shock and Awe (1996): see the quotation. The term gained greater public attention during the 2003 invasion of Iraq by US troops.