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

Since the fires, families have been living with aftershocks, trying to hold onto normal. —Amanda Starrantino, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026

America is still reckoning with the aftershocks of the pandemic, alongside a steady drumbeat of crises. —Essence, 26 Jan. 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, 20 Jan. 2026

Economic data continues to be impacted by the aftershocks of the government shutdown, which should draw further attention to corporate earnings and guidance as a read-through for the economy. —Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 18 Jan. 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
• isopach
• manioc
• shuttlecock
• tomahawk
• weathercock
• alcock
• beanstalk
• bedrock