Definition of tidal wave

tidal wavenoun

sóng thủy triều

/ˈtaɪdl weɪv//ˈtaɪdl weɪv/

The term "tidal wave" originally referred to the rise and fall of the ocean's tides, which occur due to gravitational forces between the earth, moon, and sun. However, the term "tidal wave" became popularly associated with large and devastating wave events, typically caused by underwater earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. These natural disasters generate powerful sea waves, which can surge several meters in height, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The scientifically correct term for these events is now "tsunami," which is derived from the Japanese word meaning "harbor wave" and more accurately describes the nature and behavior of these phenomena. Nonetheless, "tidal wave" remains in popular usage, especially in TV news headlines and movies, where it may be used interchangeably with tsunami to refer to the same type of catastrophic ocean wave.

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a very large ocean wave that is caused by a storm or an earthquake, and that destroys things when it reaches the land

một con sóng biển rất lớn do bão hoặc động đất gây ra và phá hủy mọi thứ khi nó tràn vào đất liền

Example:
  • According to one account, the explosion caused a tidal wave 65 feet high.

    Theo một nguồn tin, vụ nổ đã gây ra một cơn sóng thần cao tới 65 feet.

  • Several villages were destroyed by a huge tidal wave.

    Một số ngôi làng đã bị phá hủy bởi một cơn sóng thần lớn.

Related words and phrases

a sudden increase in a particular feeling, activity or type of behaviour

sự gia tăng đột ngột của một cảm giác, hoạt động hoặc loại hành vi cụ thể

Example:
  • a tidal wave of crime

    một làn sóng tội phạm