quake

1 of 2

verb

quaked; quaking

intransitive verb

1
: to shake or vibrate usually from shock or instability
2
: to tremble or shudder usually from cold or fear

quake

2 of 2

noun

: an instance of shaking or trembling (as of the earth or moon)
especially : earthquake

Examples of quake in a Sentence

Verb She was quaking with rage. The explosion made the whole house quake. Noun the quake registered 6.5 on the Richter scale, causing widespread damage
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Your emotions may be shaking and quaking deep within. USA TODAY, 28 Sep. 2024 Scientists have confirmed that one of Earth's most remarkable living beings—a massive forest of quaking —is between 16,000 and 80,000 years old, solidifying its place among the planet's most ancient organisms. Tom Howarth, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024
Noun
The quake epicenter was 2 miles north-northwest of Cobb, a small community in the hills south of Clear Lake. Daniel Hunt, Sacramento Bee, 2 Jan. 2025 The last one in Hamilton County was in 1986 when a 2.0-magnitude quake tremored Colerain Township. Erin Couch, The Enquirer, 29 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for quake 

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Old English cwacian

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of quake was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near quake

Cite this Entry

“Quake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quake. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

quake

1 of 2 verb
quaked; quaking
1
: to shake or vibrate usually from shock or lack of stability
2
: to tremble or shudder usually from cold or fear

quake

2 of 2 noun
: a shaking or trembling
especially : earthquake

More from Merriam-Webster on quake

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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