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
The probes have sent shock waves through the luxury industry and placed the sector’s supply chain under scrutiny, all amid mounting pressure on fashion as a result of the global downturn in luxury spending.
—
Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025
Still, the new parlays sent shock waves throughout the sports betting industry, with DraftKings and FanDuel parent Flutter stocks plummeting the following day.
—Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 3 Oct. 2025
The second, Demolition of a Wall (in two parts, Albums 1 and 2, 2022), charts the eerie staccato of airflow disrupted by shock waves at a blast-testing range in New Mexico.
—Anne Reeve, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025
The Sun's movement through the Milky Way galaxy forms a shock wave on the front side of the heliosphere, similar to the wave created by the bow of a ship moving through water.
—Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shock wave
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Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025
Still, the new parlays sent shock waves throughout the sports betting industry, with DraftKings and FanDuel parent Flutter stocks plummeting the following day.
—Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 3 Oct. 2025
The second, Demolition of a Wall (in two parts, Albums 1 and 2, 2022), charts the eerie staccato of airflow disrupted by shock waves at a blast-testing range in New Mexico.
—Anne Reeve, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025
The Sun's movement through the Milky Way galaxy forms a shock wave on the front side of the heliosphere, similar to the wave created by the bow of a ship moving through water.
—Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shock wave
Cite this Entry
“Shock wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shock%20wave. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.
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