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 shooting sent shock waves through this military shipbuilding community and the country at large, with many wondering how a child so young could gain access to a gun and shoot his teacher. —NPR, 6 Nov. 2025

There will be more bombshells, more shock waves to come. —Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025

The Horned Frogs announced the signing of Miles on April 8, sending shock waves across the country. —Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Oct. 2025

American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky's death has sent shock waves through the professional chess world, with many top players blasting a Russian rival who accused him of cheating during online matches. —Jason Abbruzzese, NBC news, 22 Oct. 2025

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