Definition

Noun: 1. A very large and destructive ocean wave, or series of waves, caused by a major disturbance such as an earthquake, volcanic eruption, or underwater landslide. This is the primary scientific and general usage. 2. (Figurative) An overwhelming or devastating force or event that arrives suddenly and with great impact. This is a metaphorical extension of the word's meaning.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Literal):

  • The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history.
  • Coastal towns have warning systems to alert residents of an approaching tsunami.
  • The volcanic eruption triggered a powerful tsunami that inundated the harbor.

• Noun (Figurative):

  • The company was hit by a tsunami of negative publicity after the scandal.
  • A tsunami of data floods the servers every second.
  • She felt a tsunami of emotion when she heard the news.

Advanced Usage

• "A tsunami of [something]": A very common metaphorical structure used to describe an overwhelming amount of something abstract (e.g., information, criticism, support, change).
  • The new policy unleashed a tsunami of protest from citizens.
  • The product launch generated a tsunami of interest.

Variants and Related Words

• Tidal wave: This is an older, less scientifically precise term that is sometimes used interchangeably with "tsunami" in general conversation. However, a tsunami is not caused by tides.
• Seismic sea wave: A more technical synonym.
• Megatsunami: A term for an exceptionally large tsunami, often caused by a giant landslide or asteroid impact.

Synonyms

• Deluge (especially in the figurative sense)
• Flood (especially in the figurative sense)
• Torrent (especially in the figurative sense)
• Inundation (especially in the figurative sense)

Related Idioms and Phrases

• A wave of [something]: A similar, but usually less intense, metaphorical phrase.
  • A wave of nostalgia swept over her. (Compare to the stronger a tsunami of nostalgia.)
• To be swept away by: Can be used in both literal and figurative contexts related to tsunamis.
  • Homes were swept away by the tsunami.
  • He was swept away by a tsunami of grief.

Noun

1. a cataclysm resulting from a destructive sea wave caused by an earthquake or volcanic eruption
   • a colossal tsunami destroyed the Minoan civilization in minutes