shockwave
n. countablen. a sudden, powerful wave of energy or emotion that spreads out from a central point. It can describe the physical force of an explosion or the deep emotional impact of bad news.
n. a sudden, powerful wave of energy or emotion that propagates through a medium. In physics, it refers to a high-pressure wave produced by an explosion or supersonic object; in a figurative sense, it describes a sudden, profound emotional or social impact.
The news of the merger sent a shockwave through the company.
The sudden collapse of the local bank sent a financial shockwave through the entire regional economy.
The physicist explained how a supersonic aircraft creates a shockwave that manifests as a loud sonic boom to observers on the ground, while the pilot remains silent within the cone of pressure.