seismic

Sometimes seis·mal

[sahyz-mik, sahys-]

adjective

1. pertaining to, of the nature of, or caused by an earthquake or vibration of the earth, whether due to natural or artificial causes.

seismic

/ ˈsaɪzmɪk /

adjective

1. Also (less commonly): seismical. relating to or caused by earthquakes or artificially produced earth tremors

2. of enormous proportions or having highly significant consequences

   seismic social change

seismic

1. Relating to an earthquake or to other tremors of the Earth, such as those caused by large explosions.

Other Word Forms

• seismically adverb
• nonseismic adjective
• unseismal adjective
• unseismic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of seismic¹

First recorded in 1855–60; seism + -ic

Example Sentences

The constant storms and seismic activity that forged its dramatic cliffs and canyons also make its infrastructure a nightmare to maintain.

From Los Angeles Times

A seismic fight week here usually feels the same - spotlight, swagger, and showmanship.

From BBC

Change has been in the wind at Spurs in recent months, leading to speculation about future ownership, but Levy's departure - from the role he has held since 2001 - was a seismic moment.

From BBC

Shallow earthquakes are common in the country and are more destructive, as seismic waves have less of a distance to travel to the Earth's surface and therefore retain much of their power.

From BBC

But somewhere between the diamond and the release date, another revelation slipped out — smaller in scale, but with consequences no less seismic for a certain corner of the internet.

From Salon

Related Words

• tectonic