electromagnetic pulse
noun
: a pulse of high-intensity electromagnetic radiation generated especially by a nuclear blast high above the earth's surface and held to disrupt electronic and electrical systems
Any nuclear bomb detonated high above the atmosphere bathes the area below in a powerful electromagnetic pulse (EMP) that is likely to burn out delicate electronic chips, transistors, computers and power and communication systems. The pulse happens at the speed of light, covering an entire continent.—
William Broad
—abbreviation EMP
William BroadExamples of electromagnetic pulse in a Sentence
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This technique typically sends out a series of electromagnetic pulses and analyzes how the returning waveforms change, which can correlate potential signs of a passing ship or underwater drone.
—Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 25 June 2025
The Nightwatch can withstand an electromagnetic pulse and can survive nuclear blasts and cyberattacks.
—Beth Bailey, FOXNews.com, 21 June 2025
My biggest ones are electromagnetic pulse, hurricane, tornado, and civil war.
—Hady Mawajdeh, Vox, 11 May 2025
The attack caused relatively little destruction, as the electromagnetic pulse only damaged the electronics of ships in the immediate vicinity but did not directly impact the U.S. state.
—Stacie L. Pettyjohn, Foreign Affairs, 20 May 2022
See All Example Sentences for electromagnetic pulse
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Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 25 June 2025
The Nightwatch can withstand an electromagnetic pulse and can survive nuclear blasts and cyberattacks.
—Beth Bailey, FOXNews.com, 21 June 2025
My biggest ones are electromagnetic pulse, hurricane, tornado, and civil war.
—Hady Mawajdeh, Vox, 11 May 2025
The attack caused relatively little destruction, as the electromagnetic pulse only damaged the electronics of ships in the immediate vicinity but did not directly impact the U.S. state.
—Stacie L. Pettyjohn, Foreign Affairs, 20 May 2022
See All Example Sentences for electromagnetic pulse
Cite this Entry
“Electromagnetic pulse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electromagnetic%20pulse. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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