earthshattering

Earthshattering is an adjective used to describe something that causes immense, profound, or widespread shock, disruption, or transformation. It implies a significant and impactful event, often one that alters the course of history, society, or an individual's life in a dramatic way. The term draws a metaphor from the powerful and destructive force of earthquakes, suggesting a similarly fundamental and forceful change.

In literature and everyday language, "earthshattering" can be applied to a wide range of situations. It might describe a scientific discovery that revolutionizes understanding, a political upheaval that topples governments, a personal tragedy that irrevocably changes someone's perspective, or a technological innovation that transforms how people live. The key is the magnitude of the impact, which is felt deeply and broadly, much like the tremors of an earthquake.

The phrase conveys a sense of the extraordinary and the monumental. It is not typically used for minor inconveniences or everyday occurrences but rather for events that are truly transformative and leave a lasting impression. The impact is often so great that it feels as if the very foundations of what was known or believed have been shaken.