shock wave

noun

Updated on: 26 Apr 2018

Definition of shock wave

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

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Examples of shock wave in a Sentence

The decision created a shock wave of criticism.

Recent Examples of shock wave from the Web

The interplanetary shock wave arrival could be seen in NOAA’s real-time measurement of the solar wind.

— angela fritz, Washington Post, "A solar shock wave cracked Earth’s magnetic field last night, but everything is fine," 20 Apr. 2018
They also can be formed by a shock wave impact that creates a temporary high-pressure and high-temperature environment.

— deborah netburn, latimes.com, "One of the solar system’s early planets didn’t survive, but its diamonds are now on Earth," 17 Apr. 2018
Five other people, including the bus driver, two coaches, a volunteer statistician and a broadcaster, also died in the accident, which has sent shock waves through the hockey world and beyond.

— des bieler, chicagotribune.com, "#PutYourSticksOut: Heartbreaking tribute to Humboldt crash victims goes viral," 11 Apr. 2018
House Speaker Paul Ryan’s decision Wednesday not to seek re-election sent shock waves through Washington that rippled to California.

— joe garofoli, San Francisco Chronicle, "How Paul Ryan’s retirement will affect California politics," 11 Apr. 2018
The news, reported first by the Dayton Daily News, has sent shock waves through Capitol Square and put Republican candidates on edge in a year that already has all the ingredients for a favorable year for Democrats.

— andrew j. tobias, cleveland.com, "Mike DeWine told Ohio Speaker Cliff Rosenberger he should consider resigning after report on FBI inquiry," 9 Apr. 2018
The deal, which is subject to a shareholder vote, sent new shock waves through the retail world because GGP owns some of the most upscale malls in the country.

— esther fung, WSJ, "LVMH Pays High Price for Rodeo Drive Property," 29 Mar. 2018
The explosions lasted five minutes and sent shock waves that could be felt nearly 15 miles away, killing three people and injuring 11, and destroying property, including some 20 buildings on the 40-acre property.

— BostonGlobe.com, "South View: Bridgewater, 1972," 23 Mar. 2018
Doctors can also use a procedure called extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), a non-invasive technique that uses sound waves to break the stone into bits that can then pass through your system.

— macaela mackenzie, Allure, "Kidney Stone Symptoms and Causes That Everyone Needs to Know," 22 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'shock wave.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of shock wave

1907

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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SHOCK WAVE Defined for English Language Learners

shock wave

noun

Definition of shock wave for English Language Learners

: a movement of extremely high air pressure that is caused by an explosion, an earthquake, etc.
: a usually negative response or reaction that many people have to a particular thing