aftershock

noun

af·​ter·​shock ˈaf-tər-ˌshäk How to pronounce aftershock (audio)
1
: an aftereffect of a distressing or traumatic event
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
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What To Know Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (AFAD) reported that the main earthquake was followed by several aftershocks, including one measuring 4.6 magnitude. Hollie Silverman adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Aug. 2025 But should an aftershock take place, be ready to act. Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 2 Aug. 2025 Advertisement Advertisement At least six aftershocks were recorded following the earthquake, with the magnitude of one measuring as high as 6.9. Chad De Guzman, Time, 31 July 2025 Multiple aftershocks as strong as 6.9 magnitude were recorded. Mari Yamaguchi, Chicago Tribune, 30 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for aftershock

Word History

Etymology

after- + shock entry 1

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of aftershock was in 1847

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Cite this Entry

“Aftershock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aftershock. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

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