earthquake
n. countablen. a sudden, strong shaking of the ground. It happens when rocks deep under the earth's surface move or break.
n. a sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves. Often occurs along fault lines where tectonic plates meet and shift.
The earthquake shook the buildings in the city center.
After the earthquake struck the coast, emergency services worked quickly to check for damage to the bridge.
Geologists monitor seismic activity along the fault line to better understand the patterns that precede a major earthquake, though precise prediction remains a significant scientific challenge.
From Middle English erthequake, corresponding to earth + quake. Displaced Middle English eorð byfung (“earthquake”) from Old English eorþbeofung (literally “earth shaking”).
Commonly used with verbs like 'strike', 'hit', or 'occur'.