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Quaking Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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quaking

[ˈkweɪkɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

shaking

A quaking is a shaking or trembling movement, often due to fear, cold, or excitement. It can also refer to a slight trembling of the earth's surface caused by seismic activity.

Synonyms

quivering, shaking, trembling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
quaking

Typically used to describe the act of shaking intensely, often due to cold or fear.

  • The dog was quaking in the cold rain.
  • He was quaking with anxiety before his performance.
shaking

General term for causing or experiencing quick and small movements, can be due to fear, cold, excitement, or physical action.

  • He couldn't stop shaking after the scary movie.
  • The old man was shaking as he reached for his cup.
trembling

Often used to describe a slight and often involuntary shaking due to emotion or physical state, such as fear or weakness.

  • She was trembling with nervousness before her speech.
  • The boy was trembling from the cold wind.
quivering

Refers to a slight, rapid, and uncontrollable shaking, often due to emotion, cold, or physical weakness.

  • Her voice was quivering as she spoke.
  • The leaves were quivering in the breeze.

Examples of usage

  • Their voices were filled with quaking fear.
  • The quaking of the ground could be felt for miles.
  • The quaking of her hands gave away her nervousness.
Context #2 | Verb

shaking

To quaking means to shake or tremble involuntarily, especially due to fear or cold.

Synonyms

quivering, shaking, trembling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
quaking

Used to describe strong, often uncontrollable physical movement, usually from fear or cold.

  • She was quaking with fear as the thunder roared outside
  • The little puppy was quaking in the cold rain
shaking

Can describe both voluntary and involuntary movements, from physical forces (like shaking a bottle) or emotional states (like nervousness or fear).

  • He was shaking the bottle to mix the contents
  • I was shaking with anger after the argument
trembling

Often used to describe a more delicate and continuous movement, usually caused by emotions like fear, excitement, or weakness.

  • Her hands were trembling as she signed the important document
  • The child was trembling with excitement on Christmas morning
quivering

Refers to slight, rapid, back-and-forth movements often from emotion (like excitement, fear) or physical discomfort.

  • Her voice was quivering as she spoke during the intense moment
  • The leaves were quivering in the gentle breeze

Examples of usage

  • She was quaking with fear.
  • The small dog was quaking in the cold.
  • The building quaked as the earthquake hit.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Natural Phenomena

  • Quaking is most commonly associated with earthquakes, which occur when the Earth's tectonic plates shift.
  • In addition to earthquakes, quaking can refer to the shaking of trees in strong winds or during heavy storms.

Psychology

  • People might quake with fear or anxiety, illustrating how emotions can cause physical reactions.
  • Studies suggest that the body’s fight-or-flight response can cause trembling or quaking during stressful situations.

Literature

  • In literature, quaking often symbolizes deep emotional turmoil, reflecting characters' inner fears.
  • Shakespeare frequently used trembling and quaking to depict anxiety or dread in his plays, enhancing the dramatic effect.

Pop Culture

  • Songs and movies often use the imagery of quaking to convey intense emotions, like fear or excitement.
  • In dance, the term 'quaking' can sometimes be used to describe vigorous movements that mimic shaking.

Origin of 'quaking'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'cwacian', meaning to shake or tremble.
  • It has roots in Middle English as 'quak', showing how the meaning of shaking has stayed the same through the ages.

The word 'quaking' originated from the Old English word 'cwacian', meaning 'to shake'. Over time, it evolved to 'quaking' in Middle English, retaining its core meaning of shaking or trembling. The use of 'quaking' to describe fear or cold-induced shaking has been prevalent in English literature and language for centuries.

See also: quake.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,266, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.