groundswell

[ground-swel]

noun

1. a broad, deep swell or rolling of the sea, due to a distant storm or gale.

2. any surge of support, approval, or enthusiasm, especially among the general public.

   a groundswell of political support for the governor.

groundswell

/ ˈɡraʊndˌswɛl /

noun

1. a considerable swell of the sea, often caused by a distant storm or earthquake or by the passage of waves into shallow water

2. a strong public feeling or opinion that is detectable even though not openly expressed

   a groundswell of discontent

Word History and Origins

Origin of groundswell¹

First recorded in 1810–20; ground ¹ + swell

Example Sentences

“They’re out there in the zero-barrier-to-entry internet creating a groundswell that is allowing them to make a living,” he said.

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Mamdani, a 34-year-old Queens assemblyman, won the election in the midst of a groundswell of support among young New York voters and anxiety about the cost of living.

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Fifty years after the death of Franco, the film has contributed to a groundswell of calls for the interned women to be formally recognised under the law as victims of Spain's dictatorship.

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There is also usually a groundswell of opinion against the decision among ex-professionals and pundits - and that's regardless of the merits in law.

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But what the far-right organization, co-founded by the late Charlie Kirk, does have is a groundswell of racist rage about the real Super Bowl halftime show, which will feature reggaeton star Bad Bunny.

Read more on Salon