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 swift collapse of a bank that claimed more than 60% of Paraguay’s adults as customers has sent shock waves through the country’s financial system. — ABC News, 5 Nov. 2026

The collapse of the property sector—roughly a quarter of GDP at its peak—sent massive shock waves through very specific supply and demand pathways in the economy. — Oliver Melton, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2026

Stevens’s endorsement of Rogers has sent shock waves through Michigan’s Democratic Party, prompting her expulsion from the state party and the resignations of two senior aides. — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 2 Nov. 2026

The prospect of weeks without AO3 sent shock waves through a community devoted to the platform’s uncensored storytelling and meticulous tagging system. — Angela Yang, NBC news, 2 Nov. 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