rock¹ (rŏk)
n.

1. Relatively hard, naturally formed mineral or petrified matter; stone.
2. 1. A relatively small piece or fragment of such material.
   2. A relatively large body of such material, as a cliff or peak.
3. A naturally formed aggregate of mineral matter constituting a significant part of the earth's crust.
4. One that is similar to or suggestive of a mass of stone in stability, firmness, or dependability: The family has been his rock during this difficult time.
5. rocks Slang. Money.
6. Slang. A large gem, especially a diamond.
7. Slang. Crack cocaine.
8. 1. A varicolored stick candy.
   2. Rock candy.

idioms:

between a rock and a hard place

1. Confronted with equally unpleasant alternatives and few or no opportunities to evade or circumvent them.

on the rocks

1. In a state of difficulty, destruction, or ruin: Their marriage is on the rocks.
2. Without money; bankrupt: Our accountant says the business is on the rocks.
3. Served over ice cubes: Scotch on the rocks.

[Middle English, from Old North French roque, from Vulgar Latin *rocca.]

rock² (rŏk)

v., rocked, rock·ing, rocks.

v.intr.

1. To move back and forth or from side to side, especially gently or rhythmically.
2. To sway violently, as from a blow or shock. See synonyms at swing.
3. To be washed and panned in a cradle or in a rocker. Used of ores.
4. Music. To play or dance to rock 'n' roll.

v.tr.

1. To move back and forth or from side to side, especially in order to soothe or lull to sleep.
2. To cause to shake or sway violently. See synonyms at agitate.
3. To disturb the mental or emotional equilibrium of; upset: News of the scandal rocked the town.
4. To wash or pan (ore) in a cradle or rocker.
5. In mezzotint engraving, to roughen (a metal plate) with a rocker or roulette.

n.

1. 1. A rocking motion.
   2. The act of rocking.
2. Music. Rock 'n' roll.

idiom:

rock the boat Slang.

1. To disturb the balance or routine of a situation: He has an easygoing managerial style and won't rock the boat unless absolutely necessary.

[Middle English rokken, from Old English roccian.]

rockingly rock'ing·ly adv.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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