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 assassination of a former House Speaker in Minnesota sent shock waves throughout the political world, but lawmakers were unsure Monday if the violence will lead to long-term security changes in Connecticut.
—
Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2025
India’s deadliest plane crash in more than decade is set to send shock waves through the aviation insurance industry and trigger one of the country’s costliest claims, estimated at around $475 million.
—Dave Levinthal, Fortune, 16 June 2025
Video of the altercation — captured by reporters on the scene — sent shock waves through the Capitol, with Democrats slamming the way law enforcement personnel handled Padilla, and Republicans condemning the senator’s conduct at the media availability.
—Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 12 June 2025
The attack has sent shock waves across the country, evoking painful memories of the 1990 presidential campaign, when candidates Luis Carlos Galán, Bernardo Jaramillo, and Carlos Pizarro were all assassinated.
—Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 9 June 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.
Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2025
India’s deadliest plane crash in more than decade is set to send shock waves through the aviation insurance industry and trigger one of the country’s costliest claims, estimated at around $475 million.
—Dave Levinthal, Fortune, 16 June 2025
Video of the altercation — captured by reporters on the scene — sent shock waves through the Capitol, with Democrats slamming the way law enforcement personnel handled Padilla, and Republicans condemning the senator’s conduct at the media availability.
—Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 12 June 2025
The attack has sent shock waves across the country, evoking painful memories of the 1990 presidential campaign, when candidates Luis Carlos Galán, Bernardo Jaramillo, and Carlos Pizarro were all assassinated.
—Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 9 June 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 2 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share