earthquake
- 01 B1 Intermediate
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.
Simple“The earthquake was so strong that it cracked the walls of several houses in the village.”
In context“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.”
- 02 C1 Advanced
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.
Simple“The sudden resignation of the prime minister was a political earthquake for the country.”
In context“The invention of the internet triggered a cultural earthquake, permanently shifting how humanity accesses information and maintains social connections.”
- 03 C2 Proficiency
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.
Simple“The ground began to earthquake beneath their feet as the heavy machinery started up.”
In context“In the ancient myth, the very foundations of the mountains would earthquake whenever the giants moved in their sleep.”
Usage earthquake struck · earthquake killed · earthquake of magnitude
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.