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 catastrophic accident sent shock waves through the film industry and drew international attention, partially due to the fact that lead actor Alec Baldwin had been holding the prop gun, and because live ammunition had been present on the film’s set. —Rachel Brodsky, TIME, 11 Mar. 2025

Now an incredible photo from NASA, using specialized Schlieren imaging to show air flow, has captured the shock waves as Boom’s XB-1 aircraft exceeded Mach 1, the speed of sound. —Maureen O'Hare, CNN, 8 Mar. 2025

As a by-product, the plasma balls generated shock waves that traveled through the surrounding hydrogen. —Jayson Stewart, IEEE Spectrum, 5 Mar. 2025

Trump’s suggestion caused shock waves across the world, with some analysts and politicians comparing the proposal of displacing 2.2 million Palestinians to ethnic cleansing. —Ben Goggin, NBC News, 28 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for shock wave

• agave
• behave
• concave
• conclave
• enclave
• engrave
• enslave
• forgave
• landgrave
• margrave
• shortwave
• aftershave

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