shock wave

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

ˈshock ˌwave, n. [countable]

1. Meteorology, Physics an area in the air of great heat, pressure, or density, as caused by an explosion:
   The explosion sent shock waves through the village.
2. an effect of a startling, unpleasant event:
   The murder sent shock waves through the country.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

shock′ wave′, 

1. Meteorology, Physics 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.
• 1945–50

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

shock wave noun

1. 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