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

While anything other than a victory would be a seismic shock in the cup, failure to beat the Canary Islanders could see this season’s aspirations fade away as early as November. —Henry Flynn, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024

The big picture: The broadcast bounceback is part of a seismic sports media shift that's simultaneously taking the industry back to the 1980s and into the future. —Noah Bressner, Axios, 24 Oct. 2024

Critics say the environmental effects — groundwater contamination, air pollution and even seismic activity — can be devastating. —Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 23 Oct. 2024

Rogers spent seven terms in the House, including a run as chairman of the Intelligence panel, and left just ahead of Trump’s seismic takeover of the GOP in 2016. —Philip Elliott / Detroit, TIME, 22 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)