ripple

Definition

  • noun: a shallow stretch of rough water in a stream
  • verb: to move in small waves
  • verb: to become lightly ruffled or covered with small waves
  • usually + 'of'
  • synonyms: agitate, wave, dimple

Examples

  • These costs will have a huge/major 'ripple effect' on the economy. [=the costs will cause important changes in the economy]

  • These kinds of crimes create a 'ripple effect' throughout the city. [=they cause more crimes, problems, etc.]

  • A 'ripple of' fear/excitement spread through the room. [=people in the room suddenly felt fear/excitement]

Movie quotes

  • (..) How did you know? Gerald Lane. Wrote a self-defeating Jeremiad about his employer, the U.N., back in . Caused a few ripples. Sidelined your career. Thought you'd have parlayed those ripples into a self-righteous book. No nose for profit. How did Israel know? (..)
    2013 World War Z