Shivered: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Old English 'sciward', meaning to tremble or shake.
• It has links to the German 'schauern', which also conveys shivering or shaking.
• Shivered has been used in literature since at least the 14th century to express fear or cold.

Science

• Shivering is a natural reaction to help your body generate heat when it's cold.
• The muscles contract quickly to produce warmth, which is why this reaction happens.
• Feeling cold and shivering can also activate the body's 'fight or flight' response during a scary situation.

Literature

• Writers often use shivering characters to convey fear or suspense in novels and stories.
• In Shakespeare’s plays, characters shivered as a sign of foreboding, enhancing the atmosphere.
• The word is frequently associated with ghost stories, creating a chilling feeling.

Pop Culture

• In horror films, shivering characters are typically portrayed as vulnerable, enhancing tension.
• Songs and poems often use 'shiver' to evoke feelings of longing or fear, tapping into emotional triggers.
• The term is popularly connected with winter, featured in holiday songs that highlight cold weather.

Psychology

• Shivering can be a physical response to emotional states like fear or excitement.
• It can signal vulnerability, making it an interesting psychological study in reactions to stimuli.
• The act of shivering has been linked to expressions of empathy and shared experiences in social settings.

At position #14,010, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

• ...
• 14007 veneer
• 14008 reaffirmed
• 14009 fearless
• 14010 shivered
• 14011 aught
• 14012 horrified
• 14013 arsenal
• ...