electromagnetic pulse
noun
: a pulse of high-intensity electromagnetic radiation generated especially by a nuclear blast high above the earth's surface and held to disrupt electronic and electrical systems
Any nuclear bomb detonated high above the atmosphere bathes the area below in a powerful electromagnetic pulse (EMP) that is likely to burn out delicate electronic chips, transistors, computers and power and communication systems. The pulse happens at the speed of light, covering an entire continent.—
William Broad
—abbreviation EMP
William BroadExamples of electromagnetic pulse in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The planes’ 40-plus distinct communications systems are built to withstand the electromagnetic pulse that would instantly fry nearby electronics in the event of a nuclear attack.
—Monica Hunter-Hart, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024
In these sessions, the provider places a magnetic coil against the patient’s scalp that emits a gentle electromagnetic pulse.
—Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 14 Sep. 2024
That's as opposed to a nuclear weapon the U.S. says Russia is developing that could create high-altitude electromagnetic pulses that would take out satellites and disrupt entire communications networks.
—Tony Capaccio Bloomberg News (wpns), arkansasonline.com, 20 July 2024
The bomb blast created a powerful electromagnetic pulse and unleashed a belt of radiation that lingered for months circling the Earth.
—Joel Achenbach, Washington Post, 6 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for electromagnetic pulse 
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.
Monica Hunter-Hart, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024
In these sessions, the provider places a magnetic coil against the patient’s scalp that emits a gentle electromagnetic pulse.
—Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 14 Sep. 2024
That's as opposed to a nuclear weapon the U.S. says Russia is developing that could create high-altitude electromagnetic pulses that would take out satellites and disrupt entire communications networks.
—Tony Capaccio Bloomberg News (wpns), arkansasonline.com, 20 July 2024
The bomb blast created a powerful electromagnetic pulse and unleashed a belt of radiation that lingered for months circling the Earth.
—Joel Achenbach, Washington Post, 6 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for electromagnetic pulse
Dictionary Entries Near electromagnetic pulse
Cite this Entry
“Electromagnetic pulse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electromagnetic%20pulse. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share