aftershock

noun

af·​ter·​shock ˈaf-tər-ˌshäk 

1

: an aftereffect of a distressing or traumatic event

The team is still dealing with the aftershock of losing their best player.

2

: a minor shock following the main shock of an earthquake

Examples of aftershock in a Sentence

The first aftershock came just minutes after the earthquake.

Recent Examples on the Web

More than three days on, with aftershocks still rattling the region, the window to find survivors is quickly closing. — Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 29 June 2026

Six years later, the legal and political aftershocks of that day are still being felt. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 28 June 2026

More than 770 buildings were totally or partially collapsed from the earthquakes, and aftershocks continued to shake the region. — ABC News, 29 June 2026

Meanwhile, frightful aftershocks continued to rock the area, sowing terror in a population already reaching the limits of endurance. — Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

after- + shock entry 1

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for aftershock

• antiknock
• arawak
• hollyhock
• interlock
• manioc
• shuttlecock
• tomahawk
• weathercock
• alcock
• beanstalk
• bedrock
• boardwalk