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
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.
Fourteen aftershocks struck the same area before 5:30 p.m., ranging in size from 2.5 to 4.2. Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024 More than 30 aftershocks have been reported in the region, including a 4.3 magnitude earthquake near Petrolia, according to the USGS. Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 5 Dec. 2024 The San Francisco Bay Area has been hit by multiple aftershocks, following the big quake today. Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024 In the two hours since the earthquake first hit, more than 35 aftershocks struck the same area off the coast, according to ABC7 Meteorologist Drew Tuma. Nadia Lopez, Axios, 5 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near aftershock

Cite this Entry

“Aftershock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aftershock. Accessed 14 Dec. 2024.

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