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electromagnetic pulse

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Definition of electromagnetic pulse

: 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

Examples of electromagnetic pulse in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web No weapon is without risks, but those that rely on electromagnetic pulse to achieve effects are safer than most. — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 8 July 2022 High-Powered Joint Electromagnetic Non-Kinetic Strike Weapon is designed to penetrate enemy territory and unleash an electromagnetic pulse capable of knocking out enemy electronics. — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 8 July 2022 Researchers found the nerve effects were not caused by shock wave or heat, but by the electromagnetic pulse produced by the expanding plasma fireball. — David Hambling, Popular Mechanics, 23 May 2022 Lonsdale explained that the basic idea behind Epirus is to use electromagnetic pulse weapons (EMPs). — Patrick Moorhead, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2021 Experts are warning that the United States is vulnerable to an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack from adversaries such as China, and that time is running out to invest in defending the country from it. — Michael Lee, Fox News, 24 Nov. 2021 The idea of sticking an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) warhead on a hypersonic missile seems logical enough. — Michael Peck, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2021 The phenomenon of a large electromagnetic pulse is not new. — James Conca, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2021 The planes start with a standard 747 and add state-of-the-art communications, missile avoidance systems, inflight refueling, VIP interior and protections from the electromagnetic pulse of a nuclear blast. — Chris Isidore, CNN, 9 June 2021 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'electromagnetic pulse.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of electromagnetic pulse

1951, in the meaning defined above

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Time Traveler for electromagnetic pulse

Time Traveler

The first known use of electromagnetic pulse was in 1951

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Dictionary Entries Near electromagnetic pulse

electromagnetic mass

electromagnetic pulse

electromagnetic radiation

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Statistics for electromagnetic pulse

Last Updated

31 Jul 2022

Cite this Entry

“Electromagnetic pulse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electromagnetic%20pulse. Accessed 9 Aug. 2022.

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