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Tidal wave
01
a massive ocean wave generated by an undersea earthquake, racing toward shore with destructive force
Grammatical Information
Animacy status
Inanimate
Composition
Compound
Countable
singular
not gender specific
Plural form
tidal waves
Examples
A sudden jolt on the seismograph alerted coastal towns to an approaching tidal wave.
02
a sudden rise of seawater onto the shore driven primarily by strong onshore winds, often compounding the normal tidal cycle
Examples
Gale-force winds pushed a tidal wave over the seawall, flooding the beachfront boardwalk.
03
a sudden, overwhelming surge of emotion, opinion, or activity
Examples
When the celebrity's scandal broke, a tidal wave of outrage washed over their fanbase.
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