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 Packers sent shock waves through the division by completing a trade for linebacker Micah Parsons with the Dallas Cowboys.
—
Steve Silverman, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
The tin metal experiment The researchers used the supercomputer to simulate what happens to a tin surface when powerful shock waves and high-speed impacts hit it.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2025
The goal, the official said, was to use the shock waves and other effects of the explosions to destroy the centrifuges.
—Samuel Granados, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025
Chinese engineers have developed porous buffers that fit into tunnel mouths to reduce low‑frequency shock waves by as much as 96 percent, a result that engineers said removed a major technical barrier to deploying prototype maglev vehicles capable of about 370 mph.
—Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shock wave
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Steve Silverman, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
The tin metal experiment The researchers used the supercomputer to simulate what happens to a tin surface when powerful shock waves and high-speed impacts hit it.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2025
The goal, the official said, was to use the shock waves and other effects of the explosions to destroy the centrifuges.
—Samuel Granados, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025
Chinese engineers have developed porous buffers that fit into tunnel mouths to reduce low‑frequency shock waves by as much as 96 percent, a result that engineers said removed a major technical barrier to deploying prototype maglev vehicles capable of about 370 mph.
—Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shock wave
Cite this Entry
“Shock wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shock%20wave. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share