Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large ocean wave caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun: This is the scientific term for the predictable, periodic rise and fall of sea levels associated with the tides.
   • A very large and destructive ocean wave caused by a storm or unusual weather: This refers to an abnormally high sea wave, often resulting from a storm surge combining with high tide, that floods coastal areas.
   • A very large amount or number of something that arrives suddenly: This is a metaphorical use describing an overwhelming, sudden increase or manifestation of a feeling, activity, or phenomenon.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Scientific):
  • The gravitational forces that create the daily tidal wave are predictable.
• Noun (Destructive Sea Wave):
  • The hurricane generated a massive tidal wave that inundated the town.
• Noun (Metaphorical):
  • The company was unprepared for the tidal wave of customer complaints.
  • She felt a tidal wave of relief when she heard the good news.

Advanced Usage

• "to be hit by a tidal wave of [something]": to experience a sudden, overwhelming amount of something.
  • The social media team was hit by a tidal wave of negative comments.
• "a tidal wave sweeps over/across [something]": describes a powerful, sudden force affecting a place or group.
  • A tidal wave of protest swept across the nation.

Variants and Related Words

• Tidal (adj): Relating to or affected by tides.
  • The tidal basin fills twice a day.
• Tsunami (n): A specific, often larger and more destructive, ocean wave caused by undersea earthquakes or volcanic eruptions, not by tides or wind. (Note: In common usage, "tidal wave" is sometimes incorrectly used for "tsunami," but they have different scientific causes.)
• Storm surge (n): The rise in seawater level caused solely by a storm, especially a hurricane.

Synonyms

• Surge: A sudden powerful forward or upward movement.
• Deluge: A severe flood; a great quantity of something arriving at once.
• Torrent: A strong and fast-moving stream of water or other liquid; a large outpouring.

Related Phrases

• Wave of [emotion/change/etc.]: A similar metaphorical phrase for a sudden increase.
  • A wave of nostalgia hit her.

Related Idioms

• A flood of: An idiom with a very similar metaphorical meaning to the third definition.
  • The announcement prompted a flood of inquiries.

Noun

1. a wave resulting from the periodic flow of the tides that is caused by the gravitational attraction of the moon and sun
2. an unusual (and often destructive) rise of water along the seashore caused by a storm or a combination of wind and high tide
3. an overwhelming manifestation of some emotion or phenomenon
   • a tidal wave of nausea
   • the flood of letters hit him with the force of a tidal wave
   • a tidal wave of crime