aftershock

aftershock — noun

1. a later ground shock that strikes after the first earthquake, usually with less

1.nounC1
Definition

a later ground shock that strikes after the first earthquake, usually with less force.

Example

A strong aftershock shook the hospital just as nurses moved patients outside.

collocation: strong aftershock

Residents slept in the park because another aftershock might hit before dawn.

pattern: another aftershock

Common collocations
  • strong aftershock
  • small aftershock
  • series of aftershocks
  • fear of aftershocks
Synonyms
  • tremor

    a broader word for a shaking movement of the ground; it does not specifically mean one that follows a larger quake

  • earthquake

    the general word for a ground-shaking event; an aftershock is a later, usually weaker one

  • quake

    informal or shortened form of 'earthquake', often used in news headlines

Grammar Patterns

aftershock after [earthquake]

series of aftershocks

Usage Note

Most often used in news reports and safety warnings after a named earthquake. Frequently appears in the plural when several smaller shocks follow the first one.

Common Mistakes

We felt many aftershocks after after the earthquake.
We felt many aftershocks after the earthquake.
'aftershock' already contains the idea of happening later, so do not repeat 'after'.

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

'Aftershock' is used for a smaller ground shock that comes after a main earthquake, so it always depends on an earlier quake. 'Tremor' is broader and can mean any slight shaking of the earth, even one that is not part of a larger earthquake event. 'Earthquake' is the general term for the whole event and does not say whether it is the first shock or a later one. 'Quake' is a shorter, less formal word for 'earthquake', common in headlines and everyday speech. So reporters might say 'Residents feared more aftershocks overnight', but a science teacher might explain that 'The area often has small tremors during the year.'

aftershock ↗tremorearthquake ↗quake ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • aftershock warning
  • aftershock activity
  • aftershock sequence

Adverbs

Phrases

  • strong aftershock
  • series of aftershocks
  • fear of aftershocks

Prepositions

  • aftershock after
  • aftershock in

Etymology

English

This noun was formed in English by joining 'after' and 'shock'. It names the shock that comes later, after the main earthquake has already happened.