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 news, delivered in an email to students and employees on Friday, sent shock waves through the union, which represents nearly 400 part-time and full-time educators who do not hold tenure-track positions.

From Los Angeles Times

The recent purge of several high-level members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sent shock waves through the political establishment.

From Salon

It marked the agency’s deadliest incident in more than 160 years and sent shock waves through the law enforcement community.

From Los Angeles Times

When Vogue tastemaker Anna Wintour announced late last month that she would be stepping down as editor in chief after 37 years, the news sent shock waves through the media business and fashion world.

From Los Angeles Times

However, his arrest sent shock waves through the British and Irish governments because of how they often rely on community workers to engage with loyalist communities.

From BBC