noun
earthquake
A sudden shaking of the ground caused by movement within the Earth.
An earthquake shakes the town and knocks books off shelves.
Etymology
The compound names exactly what is experienced: the earth quakes or shakes. The second element turns the motion of the ground into the name of the event.
More examples
- We felt a small earthquake during breakfast.
- The bridge is designed to withstand strong earthquakes.
- After the earthquake, inspectors checked the buildings for damage.
Forms
earthquake · earthquakes