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

Despite findings from the United States and Europe that show the positive mental health effects of gender-affirming care, a recent groundswell of state legislation has sought to curb access to gender-affirming health care for those who want it.

From Science News

In a groundswell of revision, scientists are wrestling with this heritage.

From Science News

The groundswell began early this year with the introduction of 253 bills proposing voting restrictions across 43 states as of mid-February, according to the nonpartisan Brennan Center for Justice.

From Washington Post

The Bessemer fight, and Amazon organizing as a whole, reflect a new groundswell of interest in organizing among tech workers.

From MIT Technology Review

The groundswell of antitrust activity is continuing to intensify.

From Digiday

Immediately, there was a national groundswell of voices calling for Arizona Governor Jan Brewer to veto the bill.

From The Daily Beast

And away from sectarian conflict, a popular groundswell for the government to move aside has failed to materialize.

From The Daily Beast

Another 20,000-plus people would join the groundswell over the coming week.

From The Daily Beast

In the Senate, Democrats are counting on consumer advocate Elizabeth Warren to generate a populist groundswell.

From The Daily Beast

There is no groundswell of opposition to ‘Don't Ask, Don't Tell’ coming from our military.

From The Daily Beast

It would be dangerous now to keep quite close to the rocks, for a heavy groundswell had risen.

From Project Gutenberg

There has been no rain in the night, and no groundswell to produce any vibration.

From Project Gutenberg

The courage and the endurance women must possess to face a groundswell like this!

From Project Gutenberg

For it is the nature of a groundswell to be exceedingly deceptive.

From Project Gutenberg

All over the country the groundswell of unrest was steadily and rapidly rising.

From Project Gutenberg