DEMAND SHOCK: A disruption of market equilibrium (that is, a market adjustment) caused by a change in a demand determinant and a shift of the demand curve. A demand shock can take one of two forms--an Demand Increase or a Demand Decrease. An increase in demand is seen as a rightward shift of the demand curve and results in an increase in equilibrium quantity and an increase in equilibrium price. A decrease in demand is a leftward shift of the demand curve and results in a decrease in equilibrium quantity and a decrease in equilibrium price.

     See also | market equilibrium | market adjustment | demand | demand curve | demand price | demand determinant | equilibrium quantity | equilibrium price | equilibrium | income | normal good | inferior good | preferences | other prices | substitute-in-consumption | complement-in-consumption | buyers' expectations | number of buyers | demand decrease | demand increase | supply shock |