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Tidal wave
01
a massive ocean wave generated by an undersea earthquake, racing toward shore with destructive force
Examples
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.
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.
Residents braced for a tidal wave when the nor'easter's gusts aligned with high tide.
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.
The viral video sparked a tidal wave of shares and comments across social platforms.
