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

Thousands of people across the island slept outdoors, fearing aftershocks. — ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026

Authorities have since recorded 1,576 aftershocks into Monday, though only 54 were felt by residents. — Firdia Lisnawati, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Authorities have since recorded 1,576 aftershocks into Monday, though only a small proportion were felt by residents. — CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026

Thousands were evacuated, with many sheltering in tents outdoors and afraid to return to their homes due to fears of aftershocks. — Reuters, NBC news, 17 Aug. 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