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world-shaking

American  
[wurld-shey-king] / ˈwɜrldˌʃeɪ kɪŋ /

adjective

  1. of sufficient size or importance to affect the entire world.

    the world-shaking effects of an international clash.


world-shaking British  

adjective

  1. of enormous significance; momentous

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of world-shaking

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The programme team agreed, suggesting a raft of world-shaking innovations from hologram surgery to space junk gel.

From BBC • Dec. 31, 2024

If nothing else, the time away has sharpened the resolve of BTS’ famed Army of fans to organize in their stead — and plan for the world-shaking event of their return, whenever it comes.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 21, 2023

Success could mean a more middle-income future that fulfills the country’s world-shaking promise.

From New York Times • Jun. 28, 2023

He reacted instinctively, grabbing the car’s “radiotelephone” before other reporters to file a brief but world-shaking scoop to his editors: “Three shots fired at President Kennedy’s motorcade today in downtown Dallas.”

From Washington Post • Mar. 11, 2022

I have further established, at least to my own satisfaction, that those states with the shortest histories and the least world-shaking events have the most historical markers.

From "Travels with Charley in Search of America" by John Steinbeck

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