shock wave

American  

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.

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shock wave British  

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

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shock wave Scientific  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of shock wave

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

In many cases, a flood of neutrinos released during this collapse generates a powerful shock wave that tears the star apart in a supernova.

From Science Daily • Feb. 14, 2026

Atkinson said he was surprised the white paper sent a shock wave across the transport sector.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 2026

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

From Science Daily • Nov. 16, 2025

That atmospheric explosion “created a shock wave that resulted in about 1,500 injuries to people and a large amount of damage to buildings and houses,” according to the USGS.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 7, 2025

The shock wave rattled windows in Silver City, New Mexico, 200 miles from Trinity.

From "Bomb" by Steve Sheinkin