aftershock

[af-ter-shok, ahf-]

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.

aftershock

/ ˈɑːftəˌʃɒk /

noun

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

aftershock

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of aftershock¹

First recorded in 1890–95; after + shock ¹

Example Sentences

When the time comes, these words from Ms. Antonetta will merit consideration: “Programs of euthanasia and sterilization don’t just live in the past, terrible but finished. Their aftershocks are terrible and here.”

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I’m then slapped with what feels like a gigantic wall of sunsum—an aftershock of the undoubtedly massive amount of power that Amokye holds.

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"The shutdown ends with a vote and a signature; the aftershocks show up in queues, call centres and cash-flow stress far away from the Capitol dome."

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In the moments after the earthquake, smaller, secondary earthquakes, called aftershocks, continued to rattle the landscape.

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Authorities issued a brief tsunami warning after the initial tremor, which has been followed by several strong aftershocks.

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