wake (2) — ODE

wake2 /weɪk

▸ noun a trail of disturbed water or air left by the passage of a ship or aircraft.

– PHRASES

in the wake of /ɪn ðə ˈweɪk əv

/
following (someone or something), especially as a consequence:

the committee was set up in the wake of the inquiry

chilly weather in the storm's wake could result in weekend frost

the explosion tore across the city, leaving rubble in its wake.

– ORIGIN late 15th century (denoting a track made by a person or thing): probably via Middle Low German from Old Norse vǫk, vaka ‘hole or opening in ice’.