earthshaking

or earth-shak·ing

[ urth-shey-king ]

adjective

1. imperiling, challenging, or affecting basic beliefs, attitudes, relationships, etc.

earthshaking

/ ˈɜːθˌʃeɪkɪŋ /

adjective

1. informal.
   of enormous importance or consequence; momentous

Other Words From

• earthshaker noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of earthshaking¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English; earth, shaking

Example Sentences

For years, he threw himself long and hard against Carson’s legendary citadel of privacy and in 2002 got the first interview after Carson’s earthshaking retirement.

From Los Angeles Times

Nor are Taylor Swift’s earthshaking abilities unique to the music world.

From New York Times

She heard an earthshaking boom and, from her bathroom window, “all you saw was the flames.”

From Seattle Times

One afternoon in Chicago, he meets an enigmatic young woman who reveals the earthshaking truth about the gigantic cave man he briefly glimpsed so long ago.

From Washington Post

Which may not seem like an earthshaking sum of money over a decade and a half.

From Los Angeles Times