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

Zen's arrest at that time sent shock waves through the Catholic community. — ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026

Zen’s arrest at that time sent shock waves through the Catholic community. — Kanis Leung, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026

The falling space rock creates a shock wave in front of it that heats it and the gas surrounding it. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026

The most powerful visual effect is the ashy remains of the playground victims, still intact—until a shock wave scatters the ashes to the wind. — ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 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