earthquake Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun shaking and vibration at the surface of the earth resulting from underground movement along a fault plane of from volcanic activity
    seism; temblor; quake.
  2. noun a disturbance that is extremely disruptive
    • selling the company caused an earthquake among the employees

WordNet

Earth"quake` noun
Definitions
  1. A shaking, trembling, or concussion of the earth, due to subterranean causes, often accompanied by a rumbling noise. The wave of shock sometimes traverses half a hemisphere, destroying cities and many thousand lives; -- called also earthdin, earthquave, and earthshock. also temblor, tremor
Earth"quake` adjective
Definitions
  1. Like, or characteristic of, an earthquake; loud; starling.
    The earthquake voice of victory. Byron.

Webster 1913