Word
aftershock
Phoneticsaf·ter·shock, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈæftɝˌʃɑk/
UK/ˈɑːftəʃˌɒk/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a smaller earthquake that happens after a big one, in the same place. You feel it days or even weeks after the main quake.
n. a smaller earthquake following the main shock of an earthquake sequence, occurring in the same fault zone. Typically decreases in magnitude and frequency over time.
Examples
“We feel a strong aftershock after the earthquake.”
“Rescue teams pause their work when an aftershock shakes the damaged building.”
“Geologists monitor the fault for weeks after the main quake, knowing each aftershock can weaken already damaged structures.”
Examples
simple
“We feel a strong aftershock after the earthquake.”
contextual
“Rescue teams pause their work when an aftershock shakes the damaged building.”
complex
“Geologists monitor the fault for weeks after the main quake, knowing each aftershock can weaken already damaged structures.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “aftershock” in context.
Verb
01. aftershock follows
“A dangerous aftershock followed the main earthquake within an hour.”
noun + verb
02. aftershock hits
“A strong aftershock hit the coast early this morning.”
noun + verb
03. aftershock shakes
“A minor aftershock shook the town, causing brief panic.”
noun + verb
04. aftershock strikes
“Another aftershock struck the region while rescue work continued.”
noun + verb
05. expect aftershock
“Scientists expect aftershocks to continue for several weeks.”
verb + noun
06. feel aftershock
“We felt a strong aftershock an hour after the main quake.”
verb + noun
Adjective
07. major aftershock
“Rescue teams paused work when a major aftershock struck the area.”
adj + noun
08. minor aftershock
“People felt a minor aftershock late last night, but no damage was reported.”
adj + noun
09. a series of aftershocks
“A series of aftershocks followed the powerful weekend earthquake.”
10. a strong aftershock hit
“A strong aftershock hit the city just after midnight.”
11. be hit by an aftershock
“The mountain village was hit by an aftershock this morning.”
12. expect further aftershocks
“Experts expect further aftershocks over the next few days.”
Real-World Examples
“Panama’s government has declared a state of emergency on Saturday as the aftershocks of two powerful earthquakes that roiled the country shook communities for hours.” “Panama’s president has declared a major disaster after two earthquakes and dozens of aftershocks struck the country’s south.” “Several large aftershocks, including a magnitude 6 tremor, were recorded.” “The full extent of the damage it has caused is not yet clear, though several large aftershocks were also reported near the initial earthquake, potentially complicating the situation on the surface.” Etymology
From after- + shock.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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