aftershock
noun
af·ter·shock
ˈaf-tər-ˌshäk 
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
Abraham’s note, reflecting on The Gettin’ and the aftershocks of state violence, refused to let celebration slip into amnesia.
—
Skylar Mitchell, Essence, 29 Sep. 2025
The big story Lately, every move out of Washington seems to send aftershocks straight to New Delhi.
—Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2025
Three more sizeable aftershocks followed in the same region.
—Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
Small aftershocks are possible, said the Geological Survey.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for aftershock
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Skylar Mitchell, Essence, 29 Sep. 2025
The big story Lately, every move out of Washington seems to send aftershocks straight to New Delhi.
—Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2025
Three more sizeable aftershocks followed in the same region.
—Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
Small aftershocks are possible, said the Geological Survey.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for aftershock
Cite this Entry
“Aftershock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aftershock. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.
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