seismic

adjective

seis·​mic ˈsīz-mik 

ˈsīs-

1

: of, subject to, or caused by an earthquake

also : of or relating to an earth vibration caused by something else (such as an explosion or the impact of a meteorite)

2

: of or relating to a vibration on a celestial body (such as the moon) comparable to a seismic event on earth

3

: having a strong or widespread impact : earthshaking

seismic social changes

seismically

ˈsīz-mi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of seismic in a Sentence

Seismic social changes have occurred.

Recent Examples on the Web

The devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela yesterday were most likely caused by a rupture in one of the country’s most active seismic zones — comprising the Boconó and San Sebastián faults, which extend along Venezuela’s northern coast — according to the USGS. — Will Clark, NBC news, 26 June 2026

There were two big pulses of seismic activity within 39 seconds of each other on June 24, 2026, both over magnitude 7. — Sylvain Barbot, The Conversation, 26 June 2026

The widespread destruction in Venezuela — with more than 900 dead and countless structures flattened — is expected to focus more attention on the seismic phenomenon and how to make buildings and infrastructure more resilient. — Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026

The one-two punch of the quakes, combined with the shallow seismic movements, amplified the destruction, said Marcos Ferreira, a geophysicist and researcher at the Geological Survey of Brazil. — CBS News, 26 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Greek seismos shock, earthquake, from seiein to shake; probably akin to Avestan thwaēshō fear

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing seismic

• seismic shift

Kids Definition

seismic

adjective

seis·​mic ˈsīz-mik 

ˈsīs-

: of, subject to, or caused by an earthquake or an earth vibration caused by something else (as an explosion)