quake

A sudden shaking of the ground that can damage buildings.

• The quake damaged several houses.
• Two small quakes struck the island last night.
• Rescue teams searched for survivors after the quake.

Similar words: earthquake, tremor

Common phrases: a major quake, quake damage, quake victims

A shaking movement of a body or object.

• A slight quake shook the floor.
• We felt a quake as the heavy truck passed.
• Each blast sent another quake through the old building.

Similar words: shake, tremor, shudder

Common phrases: a sudden quake, a slight quake, quake of something

To shake because you are very afraid.

• She quaked with fear.
• His angry voice left them quaking in their boots.
• I quaked at the thought of speaking to that crowd.

How to use it: quake with something (The children quaked with fear as the door opened.); quake at something (He quaked at the thought of facing the judge.)

Similar words: tremble, shiver

Common phrases: quake with fear, quake in terror, quake in your boots

To shake or move with repeated small, quick movements.

• The ground began to quake.
• The walls quaked when the truck hit the building.
• We felt the floor quaking beneath our feet.

Similar words: shake, tremble, shudder

Common phrases: quake beneath someone, quake under something