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

It is not a mere aftershock from Callais, but a separate earthquake of the same or perhaps even greater magnitude.

From Slate • Jun. 3, 2026

Now, he’s doing whatever he can to keep his fragile life’s work intact, knowing it is one errant aftershock away from shattering.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026

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

From Barron's • Oct. 10, 2025

The 7.8-magnitude earthquake, which struck between Santorini and the nearby island of Amorgos, destroyed much of the island, and a powerful aftershock 12 minutes later finished what little remained.

From BBC • Feb. 7, 2025

It feels like two comets have just collided headfirst into each other, and the aftershock of two hundred earthquakes rolls through my chest.

From "Starfish" by Akemi Dawn Bowman