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 most powerful visual effect is the ashy remains of the playground victims, still intact—until a shock wave scatters the ashes to the wind. — ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026 The death of Adair, a Black man from Kansas City, Kansas, allegedly by Fatherley, a white deputy, sent shock waves through Wyandotte County last year. — Sofi Zeman august 26, Kansas City Star, 27 Aug. 2026 Denmark's left-wing prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, has sent shock waves throughout the European left after recent comments about the Scandinavian nation's — and the continent's — failure to deal with radical Islam among migrant communities. — Tyler Speicher, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026 Sonic booms, volcanic eruptions and meteor airbursts can produce similar atmospheric shock waves, potentially creating other natural seismic sources. — Nolan Roth, Scientific American, 23 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for shock wave

See All Rhymes for shock wave

Browse Nearby Words

shock value
shock wave
shod
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Cite this Entry

“Shock wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shock%20wave. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about shock wave

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