ground swell
Swelling public sentiment
A ground swell is a broad, deep movement of the ocean caused by distant storms or seismic activity, distinct from surface waves driven by local wind.
The waves travel long distances and build as they approach shore.
Figuratively, a groundswell is a surge of public opinion or support that builds momentum: a groundswell of opposition to the policy.
Often spelled as one word in the figurative sense.
Product of mass, velocity
- surgeSudden powerful increase
- uprisingOrganized resistance to power
- grassrootsCommon people as political base
- mobilizationOrganizing for action
populist · wave · tide · shift · awakening · fervor · outcry · backlash
Sudden powerful increase
- rollerRotating cylindrical tool
- undulationRhythmic rise and fall
- billowSwell outward with air
- crestHighest point or tuft
breaker · heave · wave height · wave energy · fetch · amplitude · trough · wavelength
Involuntary rhythmic shaking
- earthquakeSeismic ground movement
- seismicRelating to ground tremors
- vibrationRapid oscillating movement
- shockwavePropagating pressure disturbance
aftershock · epicenter · magnitude · faultline · tectonics · subsidence · liquefaction · earth movement
Ordered list of participants
- paddle outSurf toward breaking waves
- point breakWave curving around landmass
- beach breakSurf breaking on sand
- shoulderUpper arm joint
peak · glassy · offshore wind · pumping · firing
momentum
Product of mass, velocity
- surgeSudden powerful increase
- uprisingOrganized resistance to power
- grassrootsCommon people as political base
mobilization · populist · wave · tide · shift · awakening · fervor · outcry · backlash · enthusiasm
surge
Sudden powerful increase
- rollerRotating cylindrical tool
- undulationRhythmic rise and fall
- billowSwell outward with air
crest · breaker · heave · wave height · wave energy · fetch · amplitude · trough · wavelength · open ocean
tremor
Involuntary rhythmic shaking
- earthquakeSeismic ground movement
- seismicRelating to ground tremors
- vibrationRapid oscillating movement
shockwave · aftershock · epicenter · magnitude · faultline · tectonics · subsidence · liquefaction · earth movement · shifting
lineup
Ordered list of participants
- paddle outSurf toward breaking waves
- point breakWave curving around landmass
- beach breakSurf breaking on sand
- volcanoesvolcano, volcanic eruption, Mount Fuji, volcanic eruptions, caldera
- sea conditionscalm, choppy, rough, smooth, moderate
- seismic activityearthquake, quake, tremor, aftershock, foreshock
ground swelledict
Authoritative public command
executive order · diktat · fiat · decree · dictate
ground swellripple
Minor surface disturbance
apathy · flash in the pan · minority opinion · disengagement · special interest
ground, swell, grounds, grounded, grounding, groundless, groundwork, swells, swelled