noun
aftershock
AF-turr-shawk
noun
1
A smaller earthquake that follows a larger one in the same area.
"Several aftershocks rattled the city in the days after the quake."
"Residents were warned to expect aftershocks."
2
A further, usually lesser, consequence following a major event.
"The layoffs were an aftershock of the earlier factory closure."
"The emotional aftershocks of the breakup lasted for months."
How to Use Aftershock
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA follow-up tremor after an earthquake, or by extension any knock-on effect of a big event.
Common pairings
strong aftershock
series of aftershocks
Word Forms
aftershocks plural
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Several _____ rattled the city in the days after the quake.
Etymology
A compound of "after" + "shock."