groundswells

/ˈɡraʊndˌswɛlz/
noun
  1. A large, powerful wave or series of waves caused by an earthquake, storm, or other disturbance far away.
    • The harbor was protected from the worst groundswells by the breakwater.
    • Surfers love the steady groundswells that roll in from the open ocean.
    • The groundswells from the distant earthquake reached the coast hours later.
  2. A sudden, strong increase in public feeling or opinion about something.
    • A groundswell of enthusiasm swept through the crowd as the band took the stage.
    • There was a groundswell of support for the new community garden project.
    • The politician faced a groundswell of anger after the controversial decision.
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