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

To address the threat of high-energy electromagnetic pulses, researchers are developing specialized shielding for exterior glass windows. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 3 Feb. 2026

But Jonathan, Teddy and Angela’s plan to divert Roper’s purchase of an electromagnetic pulse device meant to plunge South America into chaos is thwarted when Roper catches on to Teddy’s love for Jonathan. —Hunter Ingram, Variety, 1 Feb. 2026

The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, which plays a large role in mood regulation, focus, and cognition, is on the left side of the brain’s frontal lobe, and Exomind uses electromagnetic pulses to stimulate it during each treatment. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 20 Jan. 2026

One bolt reached an extraordinary -303 kilo-ampères (the minus sign indicates the lightning's polarity, not that the current was less than zero), producing an intense electromagnetic pulse (EMP) that lit up the ionosphere. —Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 25 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for electromagnetic pulse

• convulse
• repulse
• dulce