shock wave

noun

1. 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.
2. 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

noun

1. 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 Often shortened toshock See also sonic boom shock tube
2. a feeling of shock, horror, surprise, etc that affects many people as it spreads through a community
3. 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

shock wave

1. 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of shock wave¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

As of 2022, there were an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S., and mass deportations would break up mixed-status families and could send shock waves through parts of the economy.

From Los Angeles Times

What the documentary describes as the “shock wave” from Jesus’ doleful announcement of profound betrayal within his cohort is seen rippling through the facial features and bodily gestures of the gathered apostles.

From Los Angeles Times

“A hammer cannot be broken just by shock waves, for example. Someone has opened it and started sabotaging the inside.”

From BBC

The shock wave blew out windows for over 200 square miles and damaged buildings.

From BBC

The shock wave had ripped out walls of neighboring structures, hurled cars and shaken houses almost a mile away.

From Los Angeles Times