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
In season two, the trauma of her assault is still coursing through her and sending out aftershocks.
—
Sam Reed, Glamour, 6 Mar. 2026
When aftershock data is available, the corresponding maps and charts include earthquakes within 100 miles and seven days of the initial quake.
—William B. Davis, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026
But the conflict has already set off aftershocks that could reverberate in the American heartland.
—Tia Goldenberg, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026
This film, so seemingly unassertive, apparently rambling and plotless, has a devastating impact and aftershock.
—Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for aftershock
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Sam Reed, Glamour, 6 Mar. 2026
When aftershock data is available, the corresponding maps and charts include earthquakes within 100 miles and seven days of the initial quake.
—William B. Davis, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026
But the conflict has already set off aftershocks that could reverberate in the American heartland.
—Tia Goldenberg, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026
This film, so seemingly unassertive, apparently rambling and plotless, has a devastating impact and aftershock.
—Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for aftershock
Cite this Entry
“Aftershock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aftershock. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
