aftershock

American  

[af-ter-shok, ahf-] / ˈæf tərˌʃɒk, ˈɑf- /

noun

• aftershocks
  plural

1. a small earthquake or tremor that follows a major earthquake.

2. the effect, result, or repercussion of an event; aftermath; consequence.

   The aftershock of the bankruptcy was felt throughout the financial community.

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aftershock British  

/ ˈɑːftəˌʃɒk /

noun

1. one of a series of minor tremors occurring after the main shock of an earthquake Compare foreshock

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aftershock Scientific  

/ ăf′tər-shŏk′ /

1. A less powerful earthquake that follows a more forceful one. Aftershocks usually originate at or near the focus of the main earthquakes they follow and can continue for days or months. They usually decrease in magnitude and frequency with time.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• aftershocks
  plural

Etymology

Origin of aftershock

First recorded in 1890–95; after + shock ¹

Compare meaning

How does aftershock compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• earthquake vs. aftershock

Explanation

An aftershock is a small earthquake that echoes or follows a larger one. After an earthquake, people often wait nervously to see if there will be an aftershock. After the relief of surviving an earthquake, the tremors and shaking of aftershocks can be surprising and often dangerous. Sometimes houses and buildings that were damaged during the main earthquake can collapse during the aftershock that follows. Aftershocks are caused by the ground settling and adjusting to the changes in the faults that may have resulted from the original quake.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

aftershock aftershocks

The state issued a strong warning urging residents to prepare for a large aftershock, and urged residents to stay off the freeways if possible.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 26, 2026

Jose Mago, a 35-year-old lawyer, said a powerful aftershock Thursday sent him and his family into the street—they had slept on the sidewalk the night before.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 26, 2026

"Others tried to get their cars out of the building basements, fearing an aftershock might make things worse."

From BBC ● Jun. 25, 2026

A powerful 6.1 aftershock hit the area about two hours after the first quake, according to the USGS.

From Barron's ● Jun. 8, 2026

It was a single jolt this time, an aftershock.

From "Earthquake Terror" by Peg Kehret

After the initial 7.7-magnitude quake around midday Friday, over 100 aftershocks have been recorded, some as strong as magnitude 6.0.

From Barron's ● Oct. 10, 2026

According to the team, earthquakes on the two separate fault systems provide the best explanation for how the doublets formed, rather than aftershocks or other processes.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 24, 2026

The last time the yield on the 10-year Treasury note rose above 5%, the U.S. economy was dealing with pandemic aftershocks.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 14, 2026

"Experts point out that it is possible for seismic movements and aftershocks to continue in the area," the head of the regional government, Juan Manuel Moreno, wrote on X, urging "maximum caution".

From Barron's ● Aug. 18, 2026

And the war’s aftershocks are still being felt today.

From "The War to End All Wars: World War I" by Russell Freedman