ˈshock wave noun

1. [uncountable and countable] a very strong wave of air pressure or heat from an explosion, earthquake etc:
The shock wave from the blast blew out 22 windows in the courthouse.

2. shock waves strong feelings of shock that people feel when something bad happens unexpectedly – used especially in news reports:
The child’s murder sent shock waves through the neighborhood.
the shock waves caused by his resignation

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲