severe earthquake; violent tremor
Refers to a very strong earthquake or shaking. Often used in news reports and disaster contexts.
昨夜、東北地方を激震が襲った。
A severe earthquake struck the Tohoku region last night.
激震のため、多くの建物が倒壊した。
Many buildings collapsed due to the violent tremor.
微震 refers to a slight, barely perceptible tremor, whereas 激震 refers to a violent, severe earthquake.
激震 describes a violent, highly destructive earthquake, the opposite extreme from the barely-felt 軽震.
Standard kanji form; used in news and general writing.
Rarely used kanji form.
Compound of 激 (intense, violent) and 震 (tremor, shake). The kanji combination directly conveys the meaning of a violent shaking.