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  • Word comparison: earthquake vs. aftershock

earthquake vs. aftershock

earthquake

noun

  1. a series of vibrations induced in the earth's crust by the abrupt rupture and rebound of rocks in which elastic strain has been slowly accumulating.

    Synonyms: temblor, seism, shock, tremor, quake

  2. something that is severely disruptive; upheaval.

aftershock

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.