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
But his very presence in Milwaukee — among GOP lawmakers and a former president who have pushed a policy agenda sharply at odds with that of the unions — sent shock waves through labor and Democratic circles.
—
Jeff Stein, Washington Post, 17 July 2024
This research will help our teams figure out what patterns the low-frequency sound waves propagated through the atmosphere and where the shock wave was at its peak intensity.
—Brian Elbing, Discover Magazine, 11 June 2024
The expansion generates a shock wave, which creates a booming sound wave, or thunder.
—Janet Loehrke, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2024
The news sent shock waves through the military, since as the son-in-law of a former president, Liu would normally have been considered untouchable.
—Cai Xia, Foreign Affairs, 6 Sep. 2022
See all Example Sentences for shock wave 
Jeff Stein, Washington Post, 17 July 2024
This research will help our teams figure out what patterns the low-frequency sound waves propagated through the atmosphere and where the shock wave was at its peak intensity.
—Brian Elbing, Discover Magazine, 11 June 2024
The expansion generates a shock wave, which creates a booming sound wave, or thunder.
—Janet Loehrke, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2024
The news sent shock waves through the military, since as the son-in-law of a former president, Liu would normally have been considered untouchable.
—Cai Xia, Foreign Affairs, 6 Sep. 2022
See all Example Sentences for shock wave
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'shock wave.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near shock wave
Cite this Entry
“Shock wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shock%20wave. Accessed 26 Jul. 2024.
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