Megráz

Megráz is a Hungarian verb meaning to shake, rattle, or jolt, and it can refer to both physical action and emotional impact. In its physical sense, it describes causing a noticeable movement of a person or object by applying force, as in A föld megrázta a házat (The ground shook the house) or A férfi megrázta az ajtót (The man shook the door). In its figurative sense, it can express a strong emotional or cognitive reaction, such as A hír megrázta a közönséget (The news shocked the audience).

Etymology and form: megráz is formed from ráz, meaning “to shake,” with the prefix meg-, which yields a perfective aspect. It belongs to the common class of Hungarian verbs that describe movement or impact. The verb follows regular Hungarian conjugation patterns with the meg- prefix, giving forms such as megrázom, megrázol, megrázza, megrázunk, megráztok, megrázzák, and so on, depending on person and tense.

Usage notes: Megráz is transitive and typically takes a direct object that is the thing being shaken or the agent affected by the action. In the emotional sense, it is often used with nouns or clauses that designate the affected party, e.g., A hír megrázta a közönséget. The term is neutral in itself, but its connotations depend on context, ranging from a mild disturbance to a strong shock or upheaval. It is common in journalism and literary prose.

See also: ráz; megrázkódik.