earthquake
ERTH-kwayk
/ˈɜːrθkweɪk/
A sudden, violent shaking of the ground caused by movements within the earth's crust or volcanic activity.
Refers specifically to ground tremors caused by tectonic stress release.
The story behind the word. A straightforward Germanic compound of 'earth' and 'quake' (from Old English cwacian, to tremble), this word captured the sheer physical sensation of the ground shivering. First recorded in Middle English during the 13th century, it replaced older Anglo-Saxon phrases like eorðbeofung (earth-shivering).
Word relationships
- tremor: A tremor usually refers to a smaller or minor shaking motion compared to a full earthquake.
- temblor: Temblor is a regional or technical synonym used mostly in the American West and geological contexts.
- stability: Refers to a state of being firmly fixed without motion.
Commonly confused with
- aftershock: An aftershock is a smaller earthquake that follows the main quake in the same area.
Word family
- earthshaking (adjective): Having great influence or monumental importance.
Collocations
- major earthquake
- earthquake zone
- earthquake tremor
- earthquake fault
Idioms & expressions
- earthquake diplomacy
Example sentences
- "A bad earthquake at once destroys our oldest associations: the earth, the very emblem of solidity, has moved beneath our feet like a thin crust over a fluid." Historical observation of a seismic event
- "The magnitude 7.0 earthquake damaged severe infrastructure across the capital city." Disaster management report
Memory hook
Think of the EARTH QUAKING with sudden violent shivering. Earth + quake = ground shaking.
When not to use
Do not use for superficial ground vibrations caused by heavy traffic or construction.
Fun facts
- Around 500,000 detectable earthquakes occur globally each year, but humans only feel about 100,000 of them.
Related words
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