Quaked Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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quaked
[kwÄkt ]
Definition
earthquake event
To quake means to shake or tremble, often as a response to an earthquake or similar disturbance. It can also refer to the act of producing a quavering sound or to feel fear or anxiety. Quaking is commonly associated with the motion of the earth during seismic activity. This term can also convey a sense of intense emotional disturbance or excitement.
Synonyms
quiver, shake, shudder, tremble, vibrate.
Examples of usage
- The ground quaked beneath our feet during the earthquake.
- She quaked with fear when she entered the haunted house.
- The stage quaked with the powerful beats of the music.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Seismology
- Seismic waves, caused by moving tectonic plates, travel through the Earth, creating the shaking known as 'quaking.'
- The moment magnitude scale measures the energy released during an event, allowing scientists to classify how strong a quake is.
- Aftershocks often follow a major quake, as the earth settles into a new position.
Historical Events
- The 1906 San Francisco earthquake, measuring 7.9, devastated the city and resulted in widespread fires and damage.
- In 1931, a devastating quake in China caused immense loss of life and is considered one of the deadliest in recorded history.
- Japan's 2011 earthquake triggered a massive tsunami, leading to a nuclear disaster at Fukushima, marking a significant moment in modern history.
Cultural Representations
- Many films portray earth quakes, like 'San Andreas,' emphasizing human resilience and disaster preparedness.
- Quakes have inspired numerous literary works, symbolizing chaos and the unpredictability of nature.
- In ancient cultures, earthquakes were often attributed to the anger of gods, demonstrating a deep relationship between humanity and natural disasters.
Safety Measures
- Building codes have evolved to ensure structures can withstand shaking, especially in earthquake-prone areas.
- Preparedness drills educate people on safety measures like dropping, covering, and holding on during an earthquake.
- Emergency kits containing essentials for survival are recommended for families living in regions at risk of quakes.
Earth Science
- The Earth's crust is made up of multiple plates that float on the semi-fluid mantle, and their movements can cause quakes.
- Fault lines are fractures in the Earth's crust where two plates meet, and most earthquakes occur along these lines.
- The largest recorded earthquake occurred in Chile in 1960 with a magnitude of 9.5, releasing a tremendous amount of energy.
Origin of 'quaked'
The word 'quake' originates from the Old English word 'cwacian', which means 'to shake or tremble'. Over time, it evolved into the Middle English 'quaken', which retained the same meaning. The term has been in use since at least the 14th century and is commonly associated with seismic activity. The verb form captures both physical shaking, often experienced during earthquakes, and emotional trembling observed in response to fear or anxiety. Additionally, the word is related to other Germanic languages, with similar roots appearing in the Dutch 'kwaken' and German 'quaken', further reflecting its historical usage in describing shaking or trembling in both literal and metaphorical senses.