Shudder: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone experiences a sudden, strong, often unpleasant emotion or cold that makes their whole body shake briefly.

• She shuddered at the thought of going back to that dark house.
• He shuddered from the cold wind.

Describes an involuntary shaking or movement that can be caused by strong emotions such as fear, anxiety, or nervousness.

• His hands began to tremble during the exam.
• The ground trembled during the earthquake.

Often refers to an involuntary shaking movement caused by cold or fear.

• He felt a shiver run down his spine when he heard the eerie noise.
• She shivered in her thin jacket in the freezing weather.

Typically describes a slight, rapid shaking or trembling, often due to excitement, fear, or anticipation.

• Her voice quivered with emotion as she gave her speech.
• The leaves quivered in the gentle breeze.

Used when someone or something shakes slightly because of fear or disgust.

• She shudders every time she thinks about the accident
• The haunted house made him shudder with fear

Refers to an involuntary shaking movement, often due to a medical condition or in a dramatic sense to describe a significant disturbance.

• His hands were affected by a slight tremor
• The news of the earthquake caused a tremor of fear throughout the city

Typically used when someone shakes because of cold, fear, or illness.

• He shivered in the chilly morning air
• The horror movie made her shiver with fright

Describes a slight, rapid motion often due to emotion like fear, excitement, or cold.

• His voice quivered with emotion
• She quivered in the cold wind