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

Jurgen Klopp’s seismic announcement at the start of 2024 threatened to derail Liverpool’s stability as the club had to come to terms with losing their greatest manager of the modern era. —Andy Jones, The Athletic, 28 Dec. 2024

Early tremors of this seismic change are already registering around the world. —Ruth MacLean, New York Times, 27 Dec. 2024

Photo-Illustration: Wired Staff; Getty Images; Sony Interactive Entertainment Sony's recent introduction of cloud gaming features on PlayStation Portal raised the potential for a seismic change in how video games are distributed and accessed. —Matt Kamen, WIRED, 22 Dec. 2024

The country's buildings are generally designed to withstand a degree of seismic activity. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024

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)