Shocking but in current use (8)

I believe the answer is:

electric

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'shocking but in current' is the definition.
'electric' can be an answer for 'current' (synonyms). I'm not certain of the 'shocking but in' bit.

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for electric that I've seen before include "Of a type of energy" , "Tense" , "Highly charged" , "Emotionally charged" , "describing power supplies?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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