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
Word of the governor’s last-minute misgivings began to circulate in Albany on Tuesday night, and quickly sent shock waves through the New York State Capitol by Wednesday morning, the penultimate day of the legislative session.
—
Grace Ashford, New York Times, 5 June 2024
His attack sent a shock wave through the sleepy suburbs of the southeast Valley.
—Robert Anglen, The Arizona Republic, 6 Mar. 2024
The rupture of one crevasse will produce shock waves that will set off others closer to land's edge.
—Douglas Fox, Scientific American, 1 July 2012
Former President Trump, who has railed against migrants and free trade, once threatened to slap tariffs on Mexican imports if the country didn’t move forcefully to halt U.S.-bound migrants, sending shock waves through the Mexican economy.
—Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for shock wave 
Grace Ashford, New York Times, 5 June 2024
His attack sent a shock wave through the sleepy suburbs of the southeast Valley.
—Robert Anglen, The Arizona Republic, 6 Mar. 2024
The rupture of one crevasse will produce shock waves that will set off others closer to land's edge.
—Douglas Fox, Scientific American, 1 July 2012
Former President Trump, who has railed against migrants and free trade, once threatened to slap tariffs on Mexican imports if the country didn’t move forcefully to halt U.S.-bound migrants, sending shock waves through the Mexican economy.
—Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for shock wave
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.
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 17 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share