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

The earthquake, which occurred at 9:32 a.m., was followed by a magnitude 3.1 aftershock three minutes later in Rialto, according to USGS.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 31, 2025

We woke up to an aftershock of magnitude 5 in the middle of the night.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 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