quakes
/kweɪks/
NOUN
1. A trembling or shaking
A sudden or noticeable movement in which something shakes, trembles, or vibrates.
1.1. Physical shaking and vibration
Refers to a trembling or shaking movement of a person, object, or structure, often caused by physical force, instability, or strong emotion.
Synonyms
- tremors
- shakes
- shudders
- quivers
- vibrations
- shivers
- convulsions
- oscillations
Antonyms
- stillness
- steadiness
- stability
- motionlessness
Examples
- The old building experienced several minor quakes as the machinery operated nearby.
- Small quakes could be felt throughout the structure.
- The sudden quakes made the windows rattle.
Related Words
- trembling
- vibration
- oscillation
- movement
- instability
- shudder
1.2. Emotional or involuntary trembling
Describes trembling movements associated with fear, shock, amazement, nervousness, or intense emotional reactions.
Synonyms
- trembles
- quivers
- shivers
- shudders
- quavers
- palpitations
- pulses
- thrills
Antonyms
- calmness
- composure
- steadiness
- tranquility
Examples
- The sudden quakes in his voice revealed how frightened he was.
- Her hands showed slight quakes as she waited for the announcement.
Related Words
- fear
- anxiety
- apprehension
- excitement
- shock
- nervousness
NOUN
2. Earthquakes
Sudden movements or vibrations of the Earth's surface caused by the release of energy within the Earth's crust.
2.1. Seismic events
Refers to multiple earthquakes or seismic disturbances that cause the ground to shake, sometimes producing structural damage and aftershocks.
Synonyms
- earthquakes
- temblors
- tremors
- seisms
- seaquakes
- microearthquakes
- microseisms
- shocks
Examples
- The region experiences frequent quakes because it lies near an active fault line.
- Several minor quakes were recorded by seismographs overnight.
- The recent quakes caused damage to buildings across the region.
Related Words
- aftershocks
- foreshocks
- epicenters
- fault lines
- seismic activity
- tectonic movements
- ground shaking
2.2. Seismic disturbances and their aftermath
Describes a series of related ground disturbances, including smaller earthquakes that occur before or after a larger seismic event.
Synonyms
- aftershocks
- foreshocks
- microearthquakes
- tremors
- shocks
Examples
- The major earthquake was followed by several smaller quakes.
- Scientists monitored the area for additional quakes after the initial shock.
Related Words
- seismic sequence
- earthquake swarm
- epicenter
- fault movement
- seismology
VERB
3. To tremble or shake
To move with rapid or repeated shaking, vibration, or trembling, often because of physical force or strong emotion.
3.1. Physical shaking and vibration
Describes people, objects, or structures shaking, vibrating, or moving irregularly.
Synonyms
- agitates
- chatters
- convulses
- dodders
- jerks
- jiggles
- joggles
- jolts
- jounces
- judders
- oscillates
- quavers
- quivers
- rocks
- shakes
- shivers
- shudders
- sways
- swings
- throbs
- trembles
- twitches
- undulates
- vibrates
- wabbles
- wavers
- wobbles
Antonyms
- steadies
- stabilizes
- settles
- still
Examples
- The windows quake whenever heavy trucks pass along the street.
- The bridge quakes under the weight of passing trains.
- The machine quakes and vibrates when its motor starts.
Related Words
- vibration
- tremor
- oscillation
- movement
- instability
- agitation
3.2. Trembling from fear or emotion
Describes shaking caused by fear, nervousness, shock, amazement, or another powerful emotional response.
Synonyms
- quavers
- quivers
- shivers
- shudders
- trembles
- palpitates
- pulsates
- pulses
- thrills
- throbs
Antonyms
- calms
- composes
- steadies
Examples
- His voice quakes when he speaks about the accident.
- She quakes with fear whenever she hears a sudden noise.
- The thought of facing the crowd makes him quake.
Related Words
- fear
- terror
- anxiety
- apprehension
- nervousness
- excitement
- amazement
3.3. Pulsating or rhythmic movement
Describes repeated or rhythmic movements such as beating, throbbing, or vibrating.
Synonyms
- beats
- flutters
- palpitates
- pit-a-pats
- pitter-patters
- pulsates
- pulses
- throbs
- vibrates
Antonyms
- stops
- stills
- settles
Examples
- The engine quakes and pulses as it struggles to maintain its rhythm.
- The speaker quakes with every deep bass note.
Related Words
- pulse
- heartbeat
- rhythm
- throbbing
- resonance
- oscillation
VERB
4. To be in a state of fear or shock
To experience intense fear, shock, or amazement that causes or resembles physical trembling.
4.1. Fear and apprehension
Describes being extremely frightened or apprehensive, often to the point of trembling.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- remains calm
- stands firm
- faces
- confronts
Examples
- The villagers quake at the thought of another devastating storm.
- He quakes whenever he remembers the frightening experience.
Related Words
4.2. Shock and amazement
Describes reacting with intense surprise, astonishment, or emotional shock, sometimes accompanied by trembling.
Synonyms
- trembles
- shudders
- quivers
- thrills
- palpitates
Antonyms
- remains composed
- stays calm
- takes calmly
Examples
- The audience quakes with excitement as the final announcement approaches.
- The community quakes with shock after hearing the unexpected news.
Related Words
- astonishment
- amazement
- surprise
- shock
- wonder
- disbelief