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
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It was followed by a strong 6.4-magnitude aftershock. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025 Ten minutes later, the region was struck by a magnitude 6.4 aftershock. Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Mar. 2025 The earthquake struck midday Friday with an epicenter not far from Mandalay, followed by several aftershocks, including one measuring 6.4. Arkansas Online, 30 Mar. 2025 The energy released by the quake was the equivalent of 334 atomic bombs, a geologist told CNN, warning that aftershocks could be felt for months. Brad Lendon and Alex Stambaugh, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Aftershock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aftershock. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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