Meaning of tidal wave | Babel Free

Definitions

1. A large and sudden rise and fall in the tide.
2. A large, sudden, and disastrous wave of water caused by a tremendous disturbance in the ocean; a tsunami. (See Usage notes below.)
   proscribed
3. A large, sudden inundation of water from the storm surge, or waves of that surge; a sudden surge of river water.
   proscribed
4. A sudden and powerful surge.
   figuratively
5. A crest of ocean water; a wave.
   archaic
6. A crest of ocean water resulting from tidal forces.

Equivalents

Examples

“The last tidal wave here killed twenty and left thousands homeless.”

“During the day conditions worsened quickly—for example, a 2-6-0 on the Uckfield line suddenly encountered flood water high enough to enter its ashpan and extinguish its fire—until lock gates up-river at Barcombe gave way and a tidal wave rolled down the valley meeting head-on a spring tide rolling up from the coast.”

“As the doors opened, a tidal wave of people flooded into the room.”

“I was overcome by a tidal wave of emotions.”

“But this is no stream, folks. This will be a tidal wave that can swamp our democracy.”

CEFR level