Shivered Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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shivered
[ˈʃɪvərd ]
Definition
physical reaction
To shiver means to shake slightly and uncontrollably as a result of being cold, frightened, or excited. It is an involuntary response that can occur when the body is trying to generate heat or when a person experiences strong emotions.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She shivered in the cold wind.
- He shivered at the thought of the horror movie.
- The child shivered with excitement when opening the gift.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'shivered'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'shiver' originates from the Old English 'scieran', which means 'to divide' or 'to separate'. Over time, it evolved to describe the action of trembling or shaking. The usage of 'shivered' can be traced back to Middle English, where it was associated with the physical reaction to cold or fear. The modern sense of the word reflects both the involuntary response to temperature changes and emotional responses, highlighting the connection between physical sensations and feelings. The expression has both literary and colloquial applications, often used to convey vulnerability or a profound sensory experience.