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

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

Last year’s 12-day war was followed by an inevitable aftershock.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

A powerful 6.9-magnitude aftershock jolted quake-hit southern Philippines late Friday, triggering a fresh tsunami alert just hours after an earlier warning was lifted, authorities said.

From Barron's • Oct. 10, 2025

An aftershock of magnitude 2.5 was reported at 5:54 a.m., followed by a magnitude 2.6 quake at 6:20 a.m.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 5, 2025

The aftershock is probably more memorable than the piece.

From Salon • Aug. 10, 2024

It was a single jolt this time, an aftershock.

From "Earthquake Terror" by Peg Kehret