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

The opinion was historic and sent shock waves throughout Washington, D.C., where law firms specializing in campaign finance had long advised their political clients that coordination between campaigns and PACs was a strict prohibition. —Gabe Kaminsky, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 30 Dec. 2024

President-elect Donald Trump’s selections to serve in his cabinet and head government agencies sent shock waves in some quarters. —Edward Segal, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024

Lively’s allegations have sent shock waves across the industry. —Kat Tenbarge, NBC News, 24 Dec. 2024

So her early-November poll sent shock waves across the political class, who debated whether her findings portended an unaccounted-for Harris advantage. —Elahe Izadi, arkansasonline.com, 18 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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