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

Next up, Coen said, is a faster speed and accurate measurements of the shock waves and noise levels that the plane produces, planned for later this year. — Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026

When a roadside bomb struck his Humvee convoy months later, the explosion’s shock wave swept through his body before headaches and sleeplessness set in for days. — ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026

But what began as another dazzling night in the orbit of Hollywood’s elite was about to take a nightmarish turn—one that would send shock waves through the entertainment industry, through Los Angeles, and beyond. — Peter Rowe, Air Mail, 1 Aug. 2026

Spain was scrambling Friday to contain a sudden border crisis after tens of thousands of people rushed into its North African territory, with dozens killed and political shock waves spreading across Europe. — Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 31 July 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