A shear wall is a vertical structural element designed to resist lateral forces, such as wind and seismic loads, by transferring these loads to the ground. Synonyms for shear wall include structural wall, load-bearing wall, braced wall, and diaphragm wall. These walls are commonly used in high-rise buildings, bridges, and other structures that require resistance to horizontal forces. Shear walls can be made of various materials such as reinforced concrete, steel, or wood. The thickness and positioning of the wall are determined by the amount of lateral force it is expected to resist. Proper design and construction of shear walls are crucial to ensuring the safety of the structure and its occupants.