seismic

adjective

seis·​mic ˈsīz-mik 

ˈsīs-

1

: of, subject to, or caused by an earthquake

also : of or relating to an earth vibration caused by something else (such as an explosion or the impact of a meteorite)

2

: of or relating to a vibration on a celestial body (such as the moon) comparable to a seismic event on earth

3

: having a strong or widespread impact : earthshaking

seismic social changes

seismically

ˈsīz-mi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of seismic in a Sentence

Seismic social changes have occurred.

Recent Examples on the Web

The director also discussed his approach to specific technical elements, including a haunting, silent earthquake scene that was designed not to trigger audiences who had experienced actual seismic events. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 Mar. 2025

Digital advertising is in the midst of a seismic transformation. —Mike Villalobos, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025

But the sustained seismic activity didn’t faze wine writer Eleni Kefalopoulou, an Athens resident who visited Santorini to meet with wine producers at the start of March. —Helen Iatrou, Travel + Leisure, 14 Mar. 2025

Volcanologists will be monitoring for further increases in seismic activity, gas emissions and surface heating to indicate that an eruption is imminent, according to the observatory. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 13 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Greek seismos shock, earthquake, from seiein to shake; probably akin to Avestan thwaēshō fear

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing seismic

• seismic shift

Kids Definition

seismic

adjective

seis·​mic ˈsīz-mik 

ˈsīs-

: of, subject to, or caused by an earthquake or an earth vibration caused by something else (as an explosion)