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.
But the changes underway are more than an aftershock. Bruno V. Manno, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025 People have been urged to avoid entering possibly unstable buildings as aftershocks continued to shake the area, according to the Times. Abigail Adams, People.com, 11 Aug. 2025 Fashion firms across the globe are feeling the aftershocks of President Donald Trump’s recent tariff announcements. Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 5 Aug. 2025 People in the area should prepare for possible aftershocks, which could follow minutes, hours or even days after the initial quake, the agency said. Melina Khan, USA Today, 5 Aug. 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 3 Sep. 2025.

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