noun

epicentre

EP-ih-sen-tuh

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Epicentre (noun) means the point on the surface of the land or water directly above where an earthquake begins. Example: “The epicentre of the earthquake was under the sea.”

noun

seismology The point on the surface of the land or water directly above where an earthquake begins.

"The epicentre of the earthquake was under the sea."

"Seismologists located the epicentre several miles offshore."

"Damage was worst close to the epicentre."

How to use epicentre

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe spot on the surface right above where an earthquake starts, or loosely the very centre of a crisis.

When to use it

The figurative use is common in news writing but is criticised by some.

Memory tip

For precise scientific writing, keep epicentre for the surface point above the earthquake's focus.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

hypocentre

Common pairings

the epicentre of the earthquake at the epicentre close to the epicentre

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “epicentre” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ of the earthquake was under the sea.

Etymology

The word is built from epi-, meaning over or on top, and centre, both ultimately from Ancient Greek. The wider sense of the centre of an activity, especially a disaster, is recorded from 1908 and came from earthquakes.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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epicenter

Antonyms

hypocentre

Related words

epicenter

Rhymes for epicentre

centre

See all rhymes for epicentre →

Frequently asked questions

What is the epicentre of an earthquake?

It is the point on the surface directly above the focus, or hypocentre, of the earthquake.

Is epicentre spelled epicenter?

Epicenter is the American spelling. Epicentre is the British spelling.

Can you say the epicentre of a crisis?

It is widely used that way, but some people object to it as loose. The objection is that epi- means over, not simply the middle.

What is the meaning of epicentre?

"epicentre" (noun) means the point on the surface of the land or water directly above where an earthquake begins.

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