noun
EMP
ee-em-PEE
EMP (noun) means Electromagnetic pulse: a short, intense burst of electromagnetic energy that can induce damaging surges of current in electronics and power lines, produced by a nuclear detonation, a specialised weapon or a severe solar storm. Example: “A high-altitude EMP could knock out the grid across several states.”
noun
1
Electromagnetic pulse: a short, intense burst of electromagnetic energy that can induce damaging surges of current in electronics and power lines, produced by a nuclear detonation, a specialised weapon or a severe solar storm.
"A high-altitude EMP could knock out the grid across several states."
"The equipment is shielded to survive an EMP."
2
business, jargon Employee, used as an abbreviation in payroll systems, database fields and staff records.
"Enter the EMP ID before submitting the timesheet."
How to use EMP
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA burst of energy that can fry electronics and knock out the power grid.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
EMP attack
high-altitude EMP
EMP-hardened
EMP protection
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A high-altitude _____ could knock out the grid across several states.
Etymology
An initialism of 'electromagnetic pulse'.
Synonyms
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electromagnetic pulse
transient electromagnetic disturbance
Rhymes for EMP
See all rhymes for EMP →Frequently asked questions
Would an EMP destroy phones and cars?
It depends on the strength and distance. A powerful high-altitude nuclear EMP could damage unshielded electronics over a wide area and would be most destructive to long conductors like power lines and telephone cable; testing suggests many modern cars would stall but a fair proportion would restart. Small devices that are switched off and unconnected are less vulnerable.
Does a Faraday cage protect against an EMP?
Yes, in principle. A sealed conductive enclosure shields whatever is inside from the incoming field, which is why a metal bin with a tight lid and insulated contents is a common improvised solution. The protection fails if any cable runs through the wall of the enclosure.
What is the difference between an EMP and a solar flare?
A nuclear EMP delivers an extremely fast pulse that damages small electronics directly. A geomagnetic storm caused by solar activity builds much more slowly and mainly induces currents in very long conductors, threatening transformers and the power grid rather than your laptop.
What is the meaning of EMP?
"EMP" (noun) means electromagnetic pulse: a short, intense burst of electromagnetic energy that can induce damaging surges of current in electronics and power lines, produced by a nuclear detonation, a specialised weapon or a severe solar storm.
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