Definition of quake

Short definition: The word quake means a sudden shaking movement, especially of the ground during an earthquake, or a strong feeling of fear that makes someone tremble. People use it to talk about natural disasters, emotional reactions, or moments when something feels powerful and uncontrollable.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word quake? The word quake often brings to mind strong movement and deep emotion. Sometimes it refers to the earth shaking in a powerful and frightening way, and sometimes it describes how people feel when they are suddenly afraid, shocked, or overwhelmed. In everyday life, quake appears in stories about natural disasters, but also in moments of human emotion—when fear, excitement, or tension makes everything feel unsteady. Below, each meaning is explained in a relaxed and natural way, with explanations that feel human instead of stiff like a textbook.

Verb forms: quake, quakes, quaking, quaked
Noun forms: quake, quakes
Related: earthquake n., quiver v.
Syllable: quake

1. To shake strongly, especially because of an earthquake.

   In its most literal meaning, quake describes the powerful shaking of the ground during an earthquake. It brings a feeling of sudden danger and helplessness, because everything around you can move without warning. This kind of quake is often remembered not just for the damage, but for the fear and uncertainty people feel in that moment.

   The whole city seemed to quake when the earthquake struck in the middle of the night.
   She woke up as the walls began to quake, realizing immediately that something was very wrong.
   During the tremor, even strong buildings appeared to quake, making everyone rush outside for safety.

   Synonyms: shake, tremble, rock, vibrate, shudder, jolt, rumble, sway, convulse, move violently, quiver, ripple
   Antonyms: stay still, remain steady, be calm, not move, stay firm, remain solid, be stable, stay grounded, keep balance, remain quiet, stand firm, hold steady

2. To shake because of fear, cold, or strong emotion.

   Quake is also used to describe how people react when emotions hit hard. Your body might tremble when you are scared, nervous, or even extremely excited. In this sense, the word shows how feelings can be just as powerful as physical forces.

   His voice began to quake as he stood up to speak in front of the large crowd.
   She felt her hands quake when she opened the letter she had been waiting for.
   He could feel himself quake with fear as he walked alone through the dark street.

   Synonyms: tremble, shiver, quiver, shake, shudder, flutter, vibrate, twitch, shake with fear, tremble inside, feel unsteady, shake emotionally
   Antonyms: stay calm, remain steady, feel confident, keep control, stand firm, stay relaxed, feel secure, stay composed, be fearless, remain strong, stay brave, feel steady

3. (Noun) A sudden shaking of the ground.

   As a noun, quake is often a shorter way to say “earthquake.” People use it when talking about natural disasters, news reports, or personal experiences of the earth moving.

   The quake caused power outages across the city, leaving many people without electricity for hours.
   After the quake, neighbors checked on each other, thankful that everyone was safe.
   News about the quake spread quickly through social media.

   Synonyms: earthquake, tremor, seismic event, ground shake, earth movement, seismic shock, jolt, rumble, earth tremble, seismic tremble, vibration, aftershock
   Antonyms: calm ground, stable earth, stillness, no movement, steady surface, peaceful land, quiet ground, firm earth, no tremor, still surface, stable land, unmoving ground

4. A strong emotional reaction that shakes a person deeply.

   In a more emotional sense, quake can describe how shocking news or sudden change affects someone. It is not about physical shaking, but about feeling disturbed inside, as if your sense of safety has been moved.

   The unexpected news sent a quake through the entire family.
   His betrayal caused an emotional quake, leaving her unsure who to trust anymore.
   The announcement felt like a quake in the company, changing everything overnight.

   Synonyms: shock, emotional jolt, inner shake, disturbance, emotional impact, deep reaction, sudden blow, strong effect, emotional tremor, inner disturbance, powerful feeling, mental shake
   Antonyms: calm reaction, emotional stability, peace of mind, steady feeling, comfort, emotional balance, security, inner peace, stable emotions, calm response, quiet feeling, emotional safety

5. A sign that big change is coming.

   Sometimes quake is used in a symbolic way to describe moments that shake society, politics, or personal life before something new begins. It suggests that even painful movement can lead to transformation.

   The scandal caused a quake in the industry, forcing many leaders to step down.
   That discovery sent a quake through the scientific community.
   The protest became a quake that changed how people viewed the government.

   Synonyms: turning point, major shock, big shift, wake-up call, dramatic change, major impact, powerful movement, deep shift, strong signal, major disturbance, revolutionary moment, big transformation
   Antonyms: stability, no change, steady situation, calm period, smooth progress, routine life, quiet time, unchanged state, peaceful phase, stable condition, normal flow, steady state