What does "epicentre" mean?
The point on the land or water surface directly above the focus, or hypocentre, of an earthquake.
Epicentre
/ˈɛpɪˌsɛntɚ/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The point on the land or water surface directly above the focus, or hypocentre, of an earthquake.
- Grammar: epicentre is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: epicenter, center, centre, focal point.
- Useful contrasts: edge, hypocentre, margin.
- Usage evidence: The epicentre isn't always the point of heaviest damage. Faults can be many kilometres long and seismic waves shake areas all along the fault.
How to use "epicentre"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "epicentre" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "epicentre" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "epicentre" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "epicentre" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
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3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The point on the land or water surface directly above the focus, or hypocentre, of an earthquake.
"The epicentre isn't always the point of heaviest damage. Faults can be many kilometres long and seismic waves shake areas all along the fault."
- 2 the point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus of an earthquake wordnet
- 3 The point on the surface of the earth directly above an underground explosion.
- 4 The focal point of any activity, especially if dangerous or destructive. figuratively, proscribed
"Eleven months after Moscow launched its full-scale invasion, Bakhmut and surrounding areas have become an epicenter of fighting, their importance growing as both sides have added forces to the battle."
- 5 The geographical area in which an ongoing disaster, illness, crisis, or other destructive event is currently most severe. figuratively, proscribed
"Yan Cheng had cerebral palsy and died on January 29 while in the care of officials in Huajiahe township, Hongan county, more than 100 kilometres (62 miles) from Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak."
Verb
- 1 Of an earthquake: to have its epicentre (at a specified location).
"The records of disturbances epicentering closer to the station, notably those of 1914 in Los Santos Province of the Republic of Panama, about 120 miles from Balboa Heights, have usually been less satisfactory than this record […]"
Antonyms
Example
"The epicentre isn't always the point of heaviest damage. Faults can be many kilometres long and seismic waves shake areas all along the fault."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "epicentre"?
Common synonyms include: epicenter, center, centre, focal point, focus, hub.
How do you use "epicentre" in a sentence?
The epicentre isn't always the point of heaviest damage. Faults can be many kilometres long and seismic waves shake areas all along the fault.
How do you pronounce "epicentre"?
Pronounced /ˈɛpɪˌsɛntɚ/.
Etymology
From epi- (“over, on top”) + centre, from Ancient Greek ἐπί (epí, “on”) + κέντρον (kéntron, “centre”). Sense of “center of an activity (particularly a disaster)” (1908) by generalization from earthquakes, possibly influenced by epidemic.