Shiver Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฅถ
shiver
[หสษชvษr ]
Definitions
feeling cold
To shiver means to tremble or shake involuntarily, usually due to feeling cold or frightened. It is a natural response of the body to regulate temperature or react to fear.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| shiver |
Usually, it refers to a reaction to cold or fear, often resulting in a slight shaking of the body.
|
| tremble |
Typically used to describe a more noticeable, continuous shaking, usually because of anxiety, fear, or weak physical condition.
|
| shake |
A general term for any form of physical movement or agitation, whether due to emotion, vibration, or physical action.
|
| quiver |
Mostly describes a slight, rapid shaking, often due to strong emotions like excitement or nervousness.
|
Examples of usage
- She began to shiver in the icy wind.
- The puppy shivered in fear as thunder rumbled overhead.
physical reaction
A shiver is a trembling movement or vibration of the body, typically as a response to cold or fear. It can manifest as a quivering or shaking of the limbs.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| shiver |
This is used when someone feels cold or scared and their body shakes slightly.
|
| tremor |
This is used to describe small movements or shakes often related to medical conditions, earthquakes, or strong emotions.
|
| quiver |
This is used when something or someone shakes with a slight but rapid motion, often from a strong emotion such as fear, excitement, or nervousness.
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| shudder |
This is used when someone shakes uncontrollably, usually because they are scared, disgusted, or cold.
|
Examples of usage
- A shiver ran down her spine when she heard the ghostly noise.
- His body was racked with shivers from the freezing temperature.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Biological Response
- Shivering is a natural response of the body to generate heat by contracting muscles quickly.
- It can be triggered not just by cold but also by feelings of fear or anxiety, due to the body's fight-or-flight response.
- The average person shivers at a temperature of around 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) or lower.
Literature and Art
- Shivering is often used in literature as a symbol of fear or an emotional reaction, conveying a characterโs vulnerability.
- Famous works, like Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein', depict characters shivering in moments of dread, enhancing the dramatic effect.
Pop Culture
- The phrase 'shiver me timbers' is commonly used in pirate lore, expressing surprise or fear.
- In horror movies, shivering characters emphasize fear, and viewers can often relate to that involuntary response.
Psychological Effects
- Experiencing shivers from emotions can create a profound psychological connection to a moment or memory, such as listening to haunting music.
- This body's response has been studied in psychology, revealing how physical reactions to fear or exhilaration are tied to emotional states.
Origin of 'shiver'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'ceorfan', which means to cut or break into smaller parts, suggesting a breaking movement.
- Related terms in other languages, like the German word 'zittern', also mean to shake or tremble, indicating similar feelings across cultures.
The word 'shiver' has its origins in Middle English, derived from the Old English word 'scฤซfer', which means to tremble or shake. Over time, the meaning of 'shiver' has evolved to encompass both the physical reaction to cold as well as fear. The concept of shivering as a response to temperature regulation is a fundamental aspect of human physiology.
See also: shiv.