quake

1 of 2

verb

ˈkwāk 

quaked; quaking

intransitive verb

1

: to shake or vibrate usually from shock or instability

2

: to tremble or shudder usually from cold or fear

quake

2 of 2

noun

: an instance of shaking or trembling (as of the earth or moon)

especially : earthquake

Synonyms

Verb

• agitate
• bucket
• convulse
• jerk
• jiggle
• joggle
• jolt
• jounce
• judder [chiefly British]
• quiver
• shake
• shudder
• vibrate
• wobble
• wabble

Noun

• earthquake
• shake
• temblor
• tremor

Examples of quake in a Sentence

Verb

She was quaking with rage.

The explosion made the whole house quake.

Noun

the quake registered 6.5 on the Richter scale, causing widespread damage

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Your emotions may be shaking and quaking deep within. —USA TODAY, 28 Sep. 2024

Scientists have confirmed that one of Earth's most remarkable living beings—a massive forest of quaking —is between 16,000 and 80,000 years old, solidifying its place among the planet's most ancient organisms. —Tom Howarth, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024

Noun

The plan was welcomed before the quake but pretty much ignored after — an opportunity lost. —Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2025

In November 1775, a 6.0 quake 50 miles outside of Boston caused serious damage in the city. —Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Old English cwacian

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

quake

1 of 2 verb

ˈkwāk 

quaked; quaking

1

: to shake or vibrate usually from shock or lack of stability

2

: to tremble or shudder usually from cold or fear

quake

2 of 2 noun

: a shaking or trembling

especially : earthquake