shock wave

noun

1. a region of abrupt change of pressure and density moving as a wave front at or above the velocity of sound, caused by an intense explosion or supersonic flow over a body.

2. a repercussion from a startling event or upheaval; series of aftereffects.

   shock waves from the recent collapse of one of the nation's largest banks.

shock wave

noun

1. Often shortened to: shock. a region across which there is a rapid pressure, temperature, and density rise, usually caused by a body moving supersonically in a gas or by a detonation See also sonic boom shock tube

2. a feeling of shock, horror, surprise, etc that affects many people as it spreads through a community

3. the effect created on a queue of moving cars in the lane of a motorway when one car brakes suddenly and the cars behind have to brake as well, causing cars to slow down, sometimes for miles behind the first braking car

shock wave

1. A large-amplitude wave formed by the sudden compression of the medium through which the wave moves. Shock waves can be caused by explosions or by objects moving through a fluid at a speed greater than the speed of sound.

Word History and Origins

Origin of shock wave¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

The inferno -- the financial hub's worst in decades -- sent shock waves through the city, which has some of the world's most densely populated and tallest residential blocks.

Read more on Barron's

The shock waves from the crash continue to push bitcoin prices lower.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Whenever a plane travels that fast, it creates a shock wave called a sonic boom that sounds like a loud clap of thunder.

Read more on Literature

This rebound launches a shock wave that travels outward, ultimately tearing the star apart.

Read more on Science Daily

The details in the federal filings sent shock waves beyond Sacramento and the state Capitol this week.

Read more on Los Angeles Times