B2verbhomemedia
US/rɑːk/
UK/rɒk/
to move gently backwards and forwards or from side to side; also to shock people
In context
She rocked the baby in her arms until he fell asleep.
The small boat rocked from side to side in the waves.
The news of the scandal rocked the football world.
Words that go with rock
verb + noun
- rock a babyMy grandmother sang while she rocked the baby to sleep.
- rock the boatShe didn't want to rock the boat by complaining to the boss.
verb + adverb
- rock back and forthHe rocked back and forth on his chair, bored.
- rock gentlyThe hammock rocked gently in the breeze.
verb + preposition
- rocked byThe city was rocked by a strong earthquake.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
She swung the baby to sleep.Correct: She rocked the baby to sleep.