Cryptic crossword clue
Shock — southern ladies running riot round prison! 10

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word SCANDALISE

I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Shock" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case shock = scandalise.
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does SCANDALISE mean?

SCANDALISE verb
  1. To cause great offense to (someone).
  2. To reproach.
  3. To disgrace.
  4. To libel.
SCANDALISE verb
  1. To reduce the area and efficiency of a sail by expedient means (e.g. slacking the peak and tricing up the tack) without properly reefing, thus slowing boat speed.

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