Search Dictionary
Definition of shockwave

shockwave

/ˈʃɑːkˌweɪv/
shock · wave
Plural:shockwaves
JUMP TO:

shockwave Lexical Profile

shockwave Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A widespread, sudden, and intense emotional or social reaction to an unexpected event (often used in the plural).

Example

"The sudden resignation of the chief executive sent shockwaves through the global financial markets."

2

A sharp, propagating disturbance in a medium such as air or water, characterized by an abrupt change in pressure, temperature, and density, typically caused by an object moving faster than sound or by a sudden release of energy.

Example

"As the supersonic aircraft passed overhead, its shockwave rattled the windows of the observatory."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for shockwave

Word Nuance & Usage

In formal scientific and physics contexts, the open compound 'shock wave' is generally preferred, whereas the closed compound 'shockwave' is widely accepted in general and figurative usage.

• Nearby Words

shockingly
shocklike
shockproof
shockwave
shoddily
shoddiness
shoddy

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Shockwave. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/shockwave
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.