groundswell

American  

[ground-swel] / ˈgraʊndˌswɛl /

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.

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groundswell British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of groundswell

First recorded in 1810–20; ground ¹ + swell

Example Sentences

After Bangladesh and Nepal, there has been a groundswell of Gen Z protests globally, felling governments in Madagascar and Bulgaria and unnerving rulers from Morocco to Iran.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 2026

They start small and transform into a groundswell.

From Salon • Feb. 1, 2026

In an interview earlier this week, the Recording Academy CEO, Harvey Mason Jr, confirmed there was a "groundswell" amongst voters for a separate K-pop category.

From BBC • Jan. 31, 2026

Speaking to Variety, he said the groundswell of support “was really nice.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 29, 2026

The groundswell for change that had begun in Greensboro in 1960 had spread throughout America, and Fuller ached to contribute to this struggle.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson