noun

la secousse

tremor

C'est un mouvement brusque, rapide et court qui fait bouger quelque chose ou quelqu'un de manière soudaine.

Definition & meaning

Secousse is a feminine noun meaning a sudden shake, jolt, or jarring movement. It can describe a physical movement, such as a vehicle lurching or the ground trembling.

It also has a figurative sense: a shock or upheaval that disrupts a person, group, or situation.

The plural is secousses.

Grammar & word origin

Secousse is a feminine noun: une secousse; plural des secousses. It is related to the verb secouer , meaning “to shake” or “to jolt.”

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms include:

choc — a shock or impact; often emphasizes the collision or its effect.
tressaut — a sudden jerk or start; usually a brief, abrupt movement.
tremblement — a trembling or shaking motion, often sustained rather than a single jolt.
ébranlement — a shaking or destabilizing effect, especially in a figurative sense.

There is no single direct antonym. Depending on the context, immobilité (“stillness”) or stabilité (“stability”) can express an opposite idea.