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.
In Pictures via Getty Images Klarna and StubHub are delaying plans to go public after President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariff announcement sent shock waves through U.S. markets. Annie Palmer,leslie Picker, CNBC, 4 Apr. 2025 The series of arrests and deportation proceedings brought against students and scholars has sent shock waves across the academic community and raised concerns about the protection of free speech. Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2025 The sale of the Bond franchise by Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson to Amazon in February sent shock waves around the industry. Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 28 Mar. 2025 Today’s top stories (Gonzales Family) An O.C. couple’s sudden deportation sends shock waves Nelson and Gladys Gonzalez lived in the U.S. illegally for decades, working hard and raising a family while regularly checking in with ICE as part of an agreement to remain in the country. Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Shock wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shock%20wave. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

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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