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

Whenever theorists tried to model these intricate particle motions and interactions in computer simulations, the supernova’s shock wave would stall and fall back on itself.

From Quanta Magazine

Should the plane exceed the speed of sound — dubbed Mach 1 — the waves coalesce into a potentially destructive shock wave called a sonic boom.

From Quanta Magazine

He described it as an expanding shock wave from a galactic calamity dating back millions of years.

From Quanta Magazine

As a plane approached the sound barrier, the speed of the air passing over the thick wings of that era’s aircraft exceeded Mach 1, producing shock waves that could tear apart the plane.

From Popular-Science

These shock waves form as air molecules slam into each other, piling up molecules into a high-density, high-pressure and high-temperature wave.

From Science News

The Jasmine Revolution in Tunisia has sent a shock wave through the Arab world.

From The Daily Beast

I awoke in mid-air, as the shock wave hurled me against the bedroom's far wall.

From The Daily Beast

There was a terrific flash of flame and a shock wave of concussion.

From Project Gutenberg

What would the situation there be as to the shock wave which you have heretofore described?

From Project Gutenberg

The shock wave hit Gordon, knocking him from his feet into the crowd around him.

From Project Gutenberg

Recoiling in anticipation of the dread shock wave, Dirrul hurled himself at the Chief.

From Project Gutenberg

As the plane roared on—rocking from the shock wave of the explosion—Joe saw a crater and a boiling cloud of smoke and flying sand.

From Project Gutenberg