tidal wave
Plural
tidal waves
1
a massive ocean wave generated by an undersea earthquake, racing toward shore with destructive force
- A sudden jolt on the seismograph alerted coastal towns to an approaching tidal wave.
- After the 1960 Valdivia earthquake, a tidal wave swept across the Pacific, flooding harbors miles inland.
- Scientists study underwater fault lines to forecast when a tidal wave might strike distant coastlines.
- Evacuation orders went out less than ten minutes before the first tidal wave hit the island.
- Instruments on buoys detected the initial swell, giving residents time to climb to higher ground.
2
a sudden rise of seawater onto the shore driven primarily by strong onshore winds, often compounding the normal tidal cycle
- Gale-force winds pushed a tidal wave over the seawall, flooding the beachfront boardwalk.
- Residents braced for a tidal wave when the nor'easter's gusts aligned with high tide.
- Coastal trees snapped as a wind-driven tidal wave surged through the picnic area.
- Meteorologists warned that prolonged westerly gales could generate a tidal wave at dawn.
- The marina's docks floated away after a tidal wave, fueled by relentless spring storms, inundated the bay.
3
a sudden, overwhelming surge of emotion, opinion, or activity
- When the celebrity's scandal broke, a tidal wave of outrage washed over their fanbase.
- The viral video sparked a tidal wave of shares and comments across social platforms.
- Graduates felt a tidal wave of relief as they tossed their caps into the air.
- The new policy triggered a tidal wave of calls to customer service.
- At the fundraising gala, a tidal wave of generosity flooded the donation boxes.