Word
shockwave
Phoneticsshock·wave, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈʃɑˌkweɪv/
UK/ʃˈɒkweɪv/
Countable noun
Definition
n. 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.
Examples
“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.”
Examples
simple
“The news of the merger sent a shockwave through the company.”
contextual
“The sudden collapse of the local bank sent a financial shockwave through the entire regional economy.”
complex
“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.”
Real-World Examples
“Some of Arday’s peers said the fallout from the row could send shockwaves through academia and set the study of race in Britain back 20 years.” “That process launched a powerful squeezing shockwave through the diamond inside.” Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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