Synonyms

shock wave

American

noun

a region of abrupt change of pressure and density moving as a wave front at or above the velocity of sound, caused by an intense explosion or supersonic flow over a body.
a repercussion from a startling event or upheaval; series of aftereffects.

shock waves from the recent collapse of one of the nation's largest banks.

shock wave British

noun

Often shortened to: shock. a region across which there is a rapid pressure, temperature, and density rise, usually caused by a body moving supersonically in a gas or by a detonation See also sonic boom shock tube
a feeling of shock, horror, surprise, etc that affects many people as it spreads through a community
the effect created on a queue of moving cars in the lane of a motorway when one car brakes suddenly and the cars behind have to brake as well, causing cars to slow down, sometimes for miles behind the first braking car

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

shock wave Scientific

A large-amplitude wave formed by the sudden compression of the medium through which the wave moves. Shock waves can be caused by explosions or by objects moving through a fluid at a speed greater than the speed of sound.

Etymology

Origin of shock wave

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The release of more capable AI agents across a variety of sectors is also sending shock waves through the markets.

From The Wall Street Journal

But it has recently found itself in the Pentagon’s crosshairs—a conflict that could send shock waves through the U.S. defense complex.

From The Wall Street Journal

In many cases, a flood of neutrinos released during this collapse generates a powerful shock wave that tears the star apart in a supernova.

From Science Daily

Atkinson said he was surprised the white paper sent a shock wave across the transport sector.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Justice Department’s release of millions of pages of Epstein files last month sent shock waves across the globe.

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023