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

An electromagnetic pulse is a quick burst of electromagnetic energy and is capable of short-circuiting a wide range of electronic equipment.

—Jonathan Chadwick

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

For example, the first telecommunications satellite, NASA’s Telstar 1, was knocked out by an electromagnetic pulse from the American high-altitude nuclear test Starfish Prime in November 1962. —Jonathan O'Callaghan, Scientific American, 27 Oct. 2025

Such sensors can identify electromagnetic pulses, X-rays, and optical flashes from nuclear explosions anywhere on Earth, allowing the US to determine a detonation’s time, location, and yield in real time. —Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025

McDonnell will portray Jen, the astute mother-in-law to John (Holloway) who looks after his daughters after an electromagnetic pulse attack throws society into chaos. —Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 15 Sep. 2025

For example, the military's ultra-hardened Advanced Extremely High Frequency satellites in geosynchronous orbit are designed to operate through an electromagnetic pulse and nuclear scintillation. —Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for electromagnetic pulse

• convulse
• repulse
• dulce