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

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage from the aftershock.

From Barron's • Oct. 10, 2025

A magnitude 2.8 aftershock occurred nearby two minutes later.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 12, 2024

The aftershock is probably more memorable than the piece.

From Salon • Aug. 10, 2024

“As I was crossing the bridge close to the hospital,” she later remembered, “an aftershock hit and the bridge swayed wildly. If the bridge collapsed, I knew I’d die...so I turned back.”

From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland