earthquake

shaking and vibration at the surface of the earth resulting from underground movement along a fault plane of from volcanic activity

a disturbance that is extremely disruptive

A shaking, trembling, or concussion of the earth, due to subterranean causes, often accompanied by a rumbling noise. The wave of shock sometimes traverses half a hemisphere, destroying cities and many thousand lives; -- called also earthdin, earthquave, and earthshock.