ground swell

noun

1. an obvious change of public opinion or political sentiment that occurs without leadership or overt expression

-

there was a ground swell of antiwar sentiment

• Hypernyms: ↑transition

2. a broad and deep undulation of the ocean

• Syn: ↑heavy swell

• Hypernyms: ↑swell, ↑crestless wave

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noun

1. : a broad deep swell or undulation of the ocean caused by a long-continued gale or seismic disturbance and felt even at a remote distance

2. : a movement (as of political sentiment or political opinion) that is unmistakably evident but often lacking in visible leadership or overt expression

by next year the ground swell of interest among veteran and labor groups may well push cooperative housing through Congress — Catherine Bauer

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ground swell,

1. a broad, deep wave or swell of the ocean caused by a distant storm or earthquake.

2. a great rise or increase in the amount, degree, or force of anything: »

there was a ground swell of opinion that something had better be done (New Scientist).