foreshock

noun

fore·​shock ˈfȯr-ˌshäk 

: any of the usually minor tremors commonly preceding the principal shock of an earthquake

Examples of foreshock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

If next week is an electoral earthquake, Fox’s ratings are a foreshock, signaling what may be coming. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2026

But there were foreshocks already, especially in the tech industry. — Claire Stapleton, New Yorker, 18 July 2026

The second quake is considered the mainshock, while the first was a foreshock, USGS said. — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 26 June 2026

Jones says that this most recent set of quakes could be foreshocks for a much larger event. — Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for foreshock

• aftershock
• antiknock
• arawak
• hollyhock
• interlock
• manioc
• shuttlecock
• tomahawk
• weathercock
• alcock
• beanstalk
• bedrock

Kids Definition

foreshock

noun

fore·​shock ˈfō(ə)r-ˌshäk 

ˈfȯ(ə)r-

: a minor tremor prior to an earthquake