aftershock

noun

af·​ter·​shock ˈaf-tər-ˌshäk How to pronounce aftershock (audio)
1
: an aftereffect of a distressing or traumatic event
2
: a minor shock following the main shock of an earthquake

Examples of aftershock in a Sentence

The first aftershock came just minutes after the earthquake.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Elsewhere, there should be plenty of action across bond markets, driven by the fiscal aftershock of elections across the world. Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024 The Owens Valley quake killed 27 people and produced three aftershocks that all measured over magnitude 6. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024 The tremors are over in a few seconds, but the anticipation of an aftershock sends the neighborhood’s inhabitants outside. Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 30 Sep. 2024 Fourteen aftershocks struck the same area before 5:30 p.m., ranging in size from 2.5 to 4.2. Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for aftershock 

Word History

Etymology

after- + shock entry 1

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of aftershock was in 1847

Dictionary Entries Near aftershock

Cite this Entry

“Aftershock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aftershock. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.

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