Word
earthquake
Phoneticsearth·quake, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɝθˌkweɪk/
UK/ˈɜːθkweɪk/
Definitions
01shaking of the ground
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Science
n. a sudden shaking of the ground caused by movement deep under the Earth's surface.
n. a sudden release of energy in the Earth's lithosphere that creates seismic waves, typically caused by tectonic plate movement or volcanic activity.
“The earthquake was so strong that it cracked the walls of several houses in the village.”
“Seismologists monitored the aftershocks for weeks following the initial earthquake, which measured 7.2 on the Richter scale and caused significant structural damage across the province.”
02a major upheaval
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Literary
n. a sudden and big change that causes a lot of trouble or shock in a situation.
n. a sudden and intense upheaval or disruptive event that fundamentally alters a social, political, or economic landscape.
“The sudden resignation of the prime minister was a political earthquake for the country.”
“The invention of the internet triggered a cultural earthquake, permanently shifting how humanity accesses information and maintains social connections.”
Antonyms
03to shake
C2 · Proficiency Literary · Archaic
v. to shake or tremble as if an earthquake is happening.
v. to undergo a seismic event or to tremble with great intensity. This verbal use is rare and typically found in descriptive or older texts.
“The ground began to earthquake beneath their feet as the heavy machinery started up.”
“In the ancient myth, the very foundations of the mountains would earthquake whenever the giants moved in their sleep.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “earthquake” in context.
Verb
01. cause an earthquake
“Movement in the earth's crust can cause a massive earthquake.”
verb + noun
Adjective
02. powerful earthquake
“A powerful earthquake was felt across the entire country this morning.”
adj + noun
03. major earthquake
“The city was rebuilt after a major earthquake destroyed the downtown area.”
adj + noun
Noun
04. earthquake hit
“The earthquake hit the coast at midnight, causing widespread panic.”
noun + verb
05. earthquake victim
“Charities are raising money to help every earthquake victim in the region.”
noun + noun
Preposition
06. during the earthquake
“You should stay under a sturdy table during the earthquake.”
prep + noun
07. earthquake struck
08. earthquake killed
09. earthquake of magnitude
10. earthquake rescue
11. earthquake response
12. earthquake rocked
Etymology
From Middle English erthequake, corresponding to earth + quake. Displaced Middle English eorð byfung (“earthquake”) from Old English eorþbeofung (literally “earth shaking”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/earthquake