shock wave

[/ʃɑk weɪv/]
nounpl: shock waves
onda de choque
1. A powerful wave of compression in air, water, or earth caused by an explosion, earthquake, or supersonic object
The shock wave from the explosion shattered windows blocks away.
A onda de choque da explosão quebrou janelas a quilômetros de distância.
2. A sudden, unexpected, and disturbing event or piece of news that has widespread effects
The scandal sent shock waves through the entire industry.
O escândalo causou ondas de choque em toda a indústria.
3. The rapid change in pressure and temperature that occurs when a sonic boom is produced
The fighter jet created a shock wave as it broke the sound barrier.
O jato de combate criou uma onda de choque ao ultrapassar a barreira do som.
The term 'shock wave' is commonly used in Brazilian Portuguese media and everyday conversation to describe both physical phenomena (explosions, earthquakes) and figurative impacts of major news events or scandals. It has become particularly prevalent in business and political discourse to describe unexpected disruptions to markets or institutions.
NYC Slang
the shockwave
Synonyms / Sinônimos
blast wavepressure wavesonic boomdisturbance
Antonyms / Antônimos
calmstillnesssilence

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
onda de choque
Standard usage in both literal and figurative contexts
Rio de Janeiro
onda de choque
Common in news and technical contexts
São Paulo
onda de choque
Frequently used in business and media discourse
Portugal
onda de choque
Same usage, though sometimes 'ondas expansivas' in technical contexts

Related Words

explosionsound barriersupersonicseismic waveimpactreverberations

Related Idioms & Phrases

send shock waves through
shock waves of (something)
ride the shock wave
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