shock wave

noun

1
: a compressional wave of high amplitude caused by a shock (as from an earthquake or explosion) to the medium through which the wave travels
2
: a violent often pulsating disturbance or reaction
shock waves of rebellion

Examples of shock wave in a Sentence

The decision created a shock wave of criticism.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Thompson's slaying sent shock waves throughout the corporate and health care worlds, raising questions about appropriate security for top-level executives. Tom Winter, NBC News, 10 Dec. 2024 OpenAI’s controversial text-to-video artificial intelligence tool Sora sent shock waves through the entertainment industry when the company unveiled it earlier this year. Wendy Lee, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024 The night of extraordinary events sent shock waves across the country. Nectar Gan, CNN, 4 Dec. 2024 Yoon's emergency measures, while intended to restore order, have sent shock waves through both financial markets and the South Korean public. Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for shock wave 

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shock wave was in 1846

Dictionary Entries Near shock wave

Cite this Entry

“Shock wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shock%20wave. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

shock wave

noun
: a wave formed by the sudden compression (as by an earthquake or supersonic aircraft) of the substance through which the wave travels

More from Merriam-Webster on shock wave

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