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
Thompson's slaying sent shock waves throughout the corporate and health care worlds, raising questions about appropriate security for top-level executives.
—
Tom Winter, NBC News, 10 Dec. 2024
OpenAI’s controversial text-to-video artificial intelligence tool Sora sent shock waves through the entertainment industry when the company unveiled it earlier this year.
—Wendy Lee, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024
The night of extraordinary events sent shock waves across the country.
—Nectar Gan, CNN, 4 Dec. 2024
Yoon's emergency measures, while intended to restore order, have sent shock waves through both financial markets and the South Korean public.
—Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2024
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.
Tom Winter, NBC News, 10 Dec. 2024
OpenAI’s controversial text-to-video artificial intelligence tool Sora sent shock waves through the entertainment industry when the company unveiled it earlier this year.
—Wendy Lee, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024
The night of extraordinary events sent shock waves across the country.
—Nectar Gan, CNN, 4 Dec. 2024
Yoon's emergency measures, while intended to restore order, have sent shock waves through both financial markets and the South Korean public.
—Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for shock wave
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 22 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share