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 But by the end of the night, her group was reporting an alarming incident that sent shock waves through their industry. Bill Chappell, NPR, 4 Mar. 2024 The case sent shock waves through the diplomatic and intelligence communities, where Rocha was highly regarded as an expert on Cuba and Latin American affairs. Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 29 Feb. 2024 Watchers have drawn comparisons to the 2008 housing collapse, which sent shock waves throughout the economy around the world. Dylan Sloan, Fortune, 27 Feb. 2024 On Friday, a panel of judges ruled that the embryos destroyed at the clinic should be considered children under state law, a decision that sent shock waves through the fertility industry and raised urgent questions about how treatments could possibly proceed in the state. Sarah Kliff, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2024 His murder sent shock waves through Russian society and the opposition scene, with an annual march held in Moscow to mark the killing. Yuliya Talmazan, NBC News, 16 Feb. 2024 Then the missile was shot down over Yuna’s enclosure, sending a shock wave in her direction. Kostiantyn Khudov, Washington Post, 11 Jan. 2024 That revelation continued to send shock waves through the Pump Rules fandom, as from that moment on, viewers got to watch the lead-up to the longtime couple's split, as well as the fallout since the cameras picked right back up after the breakup was announced to continue filming. Ew Staff Published, EW.com, 8 Dec. 2023 AGNs produce powerful jets of superheated plasma accompanied by shock waves. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 23 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'shock wave.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 19 Mar. 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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