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Shudder Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shudder

[ˈʃʌdər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

emotion

to tremble or shake with fear, horror, or disgust

Synonyms

quiver, shiver, tremble.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shudder

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.
tremble

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.
shiver

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.
quiver

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.

Examples of usage

  • The thought of spiders makes her shudder.
  • He shuddered at the sight of blood.
  • The eerie sound made me shudder with fear.
Context #2 | Noun

emotion

a convulsive shiver or tremor

Synonyms

quiver, shiver, tremor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shudder

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
tremor

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
shiver

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
quiver

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

Examples of usage

  • She felt a shudder run down her spine.
  • A shudder of fear passed through him.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'shudder'

The word 'shudder' originated from Middle English 'schodderen', which is believed to be of imitative origin, representing the sound of a convulsive shiver. Over time, the word evolved to its current usage to describe a trembling or shaking motion, often associated with fear or disgust.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,935, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.