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

No direct hits are required; shock waves from a jet can ripple across hundreds of thousands of light-years to churn galactic gas into stars or to extinguish star formation entirely by expelling those gas reservoirs into intergalactic space. —Lee Billings, Scientific American, 16 Apr. 2026

When Nancy Silverton won the very first James Beard Award for Outstanding Pastry Chef in 1991, a shock wave went rocketing through the food world. —Ruth Reichl, Time, 15 Apr. 2026

But experts in criminal behavior say that the Gilgo case offers officials a unique window into the mind of the person who sent shock waves through Long Island and captivated the nation more than 15 years ago. —Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 9 Apr. 2026

The spacecraft, moving at speeds up to 25,000 mph, builds up heat by creating shock waves. —Stephen J. Beard, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for shock wave

• agave
• behave
• concave
• conclave
• enclave
• engrave
• enslave
• forgave
• landgrave
• margrave
• shortwave
• aftershave

Kids Definition

shock wave

noun

: a wave formed by the sudden compression (as by an earthquake or supersonic aircraft) of the substance through which the wave travels