: 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
Example Sentences
The decision created a shock wave of criticism.
Recent Examples on the WebWhen shares of GameStop jumped1700% from December 2020 to January 2021, a shock wave hit even some of the most sophisticated investors and caused hedge fund Melvin Capital to shut down. Elisabeth Buchwald, USA TODAY, 24 Aug. 2022 That shock wave in turn produces collapsing bubbles that emit a barely-visible flash of light. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 12 July 2022 The far right has sent a shock wave through France's political establishment, winning a historic number of seats in Sunday's parliamentary elections with an unexpected surge. Patrick Smith, NBC News, 20 June 2022 Chandra X-ray Observatory spotted the shock wave earlier this month. Joshua Hawkins, BGR, 21 June 2022 The first pandemic shock wave arrived early for restaurants, when diners vanished and outlets shuttered. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 6 June 2022 Researchers found the nerve effects were not caused by shock wave or heat, but by the electromagnetic pulse produced by the expanding plasma fireball. David Hambling, Popular Mechanics, 23 May 2022 Victims can be killed by the blast or the accompanying shock wave, and the subsequent vacuum can rupture people’s lungs.NBC News, 9 Mar. 2022 The first images of the eruption and shock wave could be seen from space. Judson Jones And Jennifer Gray, CNN, 17 Jan. 2022 See More