earthquake

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun shaking and vibration at the surface of the earth resulting from underground movement along a fault plane of from volcanic activity
  2. noun a disturbance that is extremely disruptive

Etymology

From Middle English erthequake, corresponding to earth + quake. Displaced Middle English eorð byfung (“earthquake”) from Old English eorþbeofung (literally “earth shaking”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

quake, temblor, seism

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