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.
Community response The killing has sent shock waves through the community, where Lane-Fournier was well-known. Melissa Alonso, CNN, 1 Dec. 2024 The very public renunciation sent shock waves through the world of philanthropy, and both donors and institutions reeled. Mary Holland, Robb Report, 1 Dec. 2024 With his announcement, Trump sent shock waves across the nation’s northern and southern borders, vowing sweeping 25 percent tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada, as well as a 10 percent tariff increase on goods from China. Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 27 Nov. 2024 News of the death toll sent shock waves through Chinese social media, although the topic ranked only 11th on Weibo, China’s X-like platform, which is subject to strict internet censorship. Peter Guo, NBC News, 12 Nov. 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 15 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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