Quaking: meaning, definitions and examples

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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?

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?

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "quaking" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tremendo

🇮🇳 कांपना

🇩🇪 zittern

🇮🇩 gemetar

🇺🇦 тремтіння

🇵🇱 drżenie

🇯🇵 震える (ふるえる)

🇫🇷 tremblant

🇪🇸 temblor

🇹🇷 titreme

🇰🇷 떨림

🇸🇦 اهتزاز

🇨🇿 třesoucí se

🇸🇰 chvenie

🇨🇳 颤抖 (chàn dǒu)

🇸🇮 tresoč

🇮🇸 skjálfandi

🇰🇿 дірілдеу

🇬🇪 კანკალი

🇦🇿 titrəyiş

🇲🇽 temblor

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.

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26263 furred
26264 forestalled
26265 jaguar
26266 quaking
26267 fiendish
26268 sorrowfully
26269 fictive
...