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

The sudden tragedy sent shock waves through the hockey community, with tributes pouring in from teammates, coaches and fans across the NHL. —Mark Scaglione, NBC news, 16 Feb. 2026

How a single article is sending shock waves with an apocalyptic warning. —FOXNews.com, 16 Feb. 2026

This case suggests that such stars may sometimes fail to explode, depending on how gravity, gas pressure, and shock waves interact in the chaotic final moments of stellar life. —Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 15 Feb. 2026

The 3 million pages recently released by the Department of Justice have sent shock waves across the globe. —Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 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