tidal wave

IPA/ˈtaɪdl weɪv/
IPA/ˈtaɪdl weɪv/

tidal wave — noun

1. a very tall and powerful ocean wave, triggered by an underwater earthquake, a vo

1.名詞B1
釋義

a very tall and powerful ocean wave, triggered by an underwater earthquake, a volcanic eruption, or a severe storm, that can flood coastal land and destroy buildings.

例句

When the earthquake struck, a tidal wave rushed toward the coastal town where Kemi lived.

Scientists warned residents that the tidal wave could reach heights of over ten meters.

tidal wave + reach [height]

同義詞
  • tsunami

    more specific — refers only to seismic sea waves, not storm-driven waves

  • storm surge

    more specific — refers to coastal flooding caused by strong winds from a storm, not by seismic activity

  • giant wave

    less technical; can describe any unusually large wave

文法句型

tidal wave + verb (strike / hit / destroy)

a tidal wave of + noun

用法筆記

Frequently used in news reports about natural disasters. Distinguish from sense 2, where the meaning is figurative.

常見錯誤

❌The tidal wave was caused by the moon's gravity.
✅The tidal wave was caused by an underwater earthquake.
💡Tidal waves are not caused by the moon's gravity; the regular rise and fall of the sea is called a tide.

2. a situation in which a particular emotion, activity, or reaction suddenly appear

2.名詞B2
釋義

a situation in which a particular emotion, activity, or reaction suddenly appears in such great quantity that it feels as powerful and unstoppable as a giant ocean wave.

例句

Trang's charity appeal received a tidal wave of donations within the first twenty-four hours.

a tidal wave of + donations / support / complaints

The company faced a tidal wave of complaints after the software update caused data loss.

同義詞
  • flood

    similar intensity, but 'flood' is used more broadly for both concrete and abstract things; 'tidal wave' emphasises suddenness

  • avalanche

    suggests something that builds and then hits suddenly, often with negative connotations

  • deluge

    more formal; stresses the overwhelming nature of the quantity

  • torrent

    often used with emotions (a torrent of abuse / tears)

反義詞
  • trickle

    suggests a very small, slow amount

文法句型

a tidal wave of + noun (emotion / protest / support / complaints)

用法筆記

The object of 'of' is typically an abstract noun denoting an emotion, a reaction, or a phenomenon. Common in journalism and informal speech.

常見錯誤

❌We got a tidal wave of letters yesterday.' (talking about a routine delivery)
✅We received a tidal wave of complaints after the announcement.
💡This expression is only used for overwhelming, sudden quantities, not normal amounts.