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

Colombia's geological service has documented 130 aftershocks since the quake. — CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026

Colombia’s geological service has documented 130 aftershocks since the quake. — ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026

Worried about the aftershocks, Soto Zea began packing a few bags on Monday afternoon to stay with relatives elsewhere. — Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 10 Aug. 2026

Authorities warned residents to remain alert for possible aftershocks as emergency teams continued assessing damage throughout the affected region. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 10 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