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earthquake

n. · v.
US //ˈɝθˌkweɪk// UK //ˈɜːθkweɪk// earth·quake
  1. 1 shaking of the ground (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Science

    a sudden shaking of the ground caused by movement deep under the Earth's surface.

    a sudden release of energy in the Earth's lithosphere that creates seismic waves, typically caused by tectonic plate movement or volcanic activity.

    Example

    The earthquake was so strong that it cracked the walls of several houses in the village.

    Example

    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.
  2. 2 a major upheaval (n.)
    C1 Advanced Literary

    a sudden and big change that causes a lot of trouble or shock in a situation.

    a sudden and intense upheaval or disruptive event that fundamentally alters a social, political, or economic landscape.

    Example

    The sudden resignation of the prime minister was a political earthquake for the country.

    Example

    The invention of the internet triggered a cultural earthquake, permanently shifting how humanity accesses information and maintains social connections.
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  1. 3 to shake (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Literary Archaic

    to shake or tremble as if an earthquake is happening.

    to undergo a seismic event or to tremble with great intensity. This verbal use is rare and typically found in descriptive or older texts.

    Example

    The ground began to earthquake beneath their feet as the heavy machinery started up.

    Example

    In the ancient myth, the very foundations of the mountains would earthquake whenever the giants moved in their sleep.
Origin

From Middle English erthequake, corresponding to earth + quake. Displaced Middle English eorð byfung (“earthquake”) from Old English eorþbeofung (literally “earth shaking”).

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