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
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.
The bottom line In a sign of how much investors are currently worried about inflation returning, the Institute for Supply Management’s services index, an inflation reading typically secondary to more significant data points like the consumer price index, is sending shock waves through the market. Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 8 Jan. 2025 Sudden and aggressive regulatory crackdowns in sectors such as technology and private education have sent shock waves through China’s business community and unsettled international investors. Jude Blanchette, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025 The Context Wednesday's early morning attack sent shock waves through the nation and was one of the deadliest terror attacks in U.S. history. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025 The opinion was historic and sent shock waves throughout Washington, D.C., where law firms specializing in campaign finance had long advised their political clients that coordination between campaigns and PACs was a strict prohibition. Gabe Kaminsky, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 30 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for shock wave 

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shock wave was in 1846

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 18 Jan. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on shock wave

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