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
Tuesday afternoon’s act sent shock waves through a city where more than a quarter of people are Black.
—
Hallie Golden, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
The public reaction to Karmelo Anthony's guilty verdict on Tuesday is garnering a shock wave of responses online; people are either supporting the jury's decision or criticizing it, in support of Austin Metcalf's killer.
—Kelsie Cairns, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2026
The decision sent shock waves across college sports because bans for gambling are a bedrock rule of the NCAA and in many professional sports.
—Stephen Hawkins, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026
Most of the reports came in from Southeast and Central Florida, but some shock waves were reported as far north as Jacksonville and near Gainesville.
—Kairi Lowery, Miami Herald, 8 June 2026
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.
Hallie Golden, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
The public reaction to Karmelo Anthony's guilty verdict on Tuesday is garnering a shock wave of responses online; people are either supporting the jury's decision or criticizing it, in support of Austin Metcalf's killer.
—Kelsie Cairns, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2026
The decision sent shock waves across college sports because bans for gambling are a bedrock rule of the NCAA and in many professional sports.
—Stephen Hawkins, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026
Most of the reports came in from Southeast and Central Florida, but some shock waves were reported as far north as Jacksonville and near Gainesville.
—Kairi Lowery, Miami Herald, 8 June 2026
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 15 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
