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

Although that eruption did not result in casualties, the airport remains closed due to ongoing seismic activity. —David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

The East Coast is mostly made up of old, cold and dense rocks that are more conducive to seismic waves. —Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Oct. 2024

As the seismic waves move farther outward, the soil causes the waves' size to decrease and become less detectable than waves that encounter sedimentary rock in the western U.S., Li said. —Domenica Bongiovanni, The Indianapolis Star, 30 Oct. 2024

But as Learfield, in particular, has undergone seismic post-COVID changes to its business, and as schools grapple with new financial incentives brought on by NIL and the House v. NCAA case, they are increasingly compelled to rethink their bureaucracy. —Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 30 Oct. 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)