aftershock

American  

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

noun

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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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

Example Sentences

But as Neville’s documentary makes abundantly clear: while music lovers across the globe certainly mourned The Beatles’ breakup, few suffered its heartbreaking aftershocks to McCartney’s extent.

From Salon

Some may occur as aftershocks caused by seismic waves traveling outward from crustal earthquakes.

From Science Daily

It was a single jolt this time, an aftershock.

From Literature

The BGS confirmed the quake was an aftershock of a 3.3 magnitude earthquake which hit the area at the start of December.

From BBC

That quake resulted in aftershocks that also reactivated seismic activity around Joshua Tree.

From Los Angeles Times