epicenter UK /ˈɛpɪˌsɛntə/US /ˈɛpɪˌsɛntɚ/noun 4verb 1forms 3 noun4 •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. — 2008 •(figurative) The focal point of any activity, especially if dangerous or destructive.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. — 2023 •(figurative) The geographical area in which an ongoing disaster, illness, crisis, or other destructive event is currently most severe.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. — 2020 •The point on the surface of the earth directly above an underground explosion. verb1 •Of an earthquake: to have its epicentre (at a specified location). formsepicentered · epicentering · epicenters
