Shuddering: meaning, definitions and examples

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shuddering

[ˈʃʌdərɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

feeling fear or anxiety

To shudder means to tremble or shake involuntarily, usually as a reaction to fear, anxiety, or cold. It is a physical response to a strong emotional or physical stimulus.

Synonyms

quake, quiver, tremble.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shuddering	This term is commonly used to describe a noticeable physical reaction to something unpleasant, frightening, or cold. It often implies a series of small, involuntary movements. She felt a shuddering sensation down her spine when she heard the ghost story. The shuddering of the car indicated it was time for a repair.
tremble	Mostly used to refer to an involuntary shaking due to cold, fear, anxiety, or weakness. It can describe a person or an object, and the shaking is usually not violent. He began to tremble when he saw the huge dog approaching. The old man’s hands trembled as he signed the paper.
quake	Typically used to describe the violent and often destructive shaking movement of the ground during an earthquake. It can also be used metaphorically to describe intense fear. The building began to quake as the earthquake struck. He quaked with fear before giving his speech.
quiver	This word usually describes a slight, rapid shaking movement, often due to strong emotions like excitement, nervousness, or fear. It can also refer to an object vibrating slightly. Her lips quivered as she tried not to cry. The leaf quivered in the gentle breeze.

Examples of usage

The young girl shuddered at the thought of walking home alone in the dark.
I always shudder when I hear that creepy noise in the middle of the night.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

a trembling or shaking movement

As a noun, shuddering refers to the act of trembling or shaking involuntarily. It can be a physical manifestation of fear, cold, or strong emotions.

Synonyms

quaking, shivering, trembling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shuddering	Expressions of strong emotional reaction such as fear, horror, or disgust. Often involves a full-body reaction. She was shuddering with fear as she walked through the haunted house. He couldn't stop shuddering after hearing the terrifying news.
trembling	Can be used to describe slight, involuntary movements due to emotions like fear, excitement, or physical weakness. Her hands were trembling as she opened the letter. He was trembling with excitement just before the roller coaster ride.
shivering	Describes a physical reaction to cold, or sometimes fear. Associated with short, repetitive movements. She was shivering uncontrollably in the cold winter air. He found himself shivering with anxiety before his speech.
quaking	Often related to intense fear or nervousness, as well as literal ground shaking from events like earthquakes. The students were quaking in their boots before the big exam. The ground was quaking during the powerful earthquake.

Examples of usage

Her whole body was in a shuddering fit after the terrifying experience.
The shuddering of the ground during the earthquake was terrifying.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old English 'sceodrian', which means to shake or tremble.
Historically, it was linked to feelings of fear or discomfort, emphasizing how our body reacts to strong emotions.

Psychology

Shuddering can be a physical response to intense emotions like fear, anxiety, or even excitement.
It’s linked to the body's 'fight or flight' response, preparing us to react to perceived danger.

Literature

In horror stories, characters often shudder in response to creepy sounds or ghostly presences, creating tension.
Famous novels often use the shuddering response to build suspense, letting readers feel the character's fear.

Pop Culture

In movies, a sudden loud noise often makes characters shudder, adding to the scary moments.
The phrase 'shudder to think' is commonly used to express fear or dread about possible outcomes.

Science

Shuddering can be a physiological reaction, where muscles rapidly contract and relax, often to generate heat in cold conditions.
In animals, shuddering is an instinctive behavior, like when dogs shiver to communicate fear or discomfort.

Translations

Translations of the word "shuddering" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tremendo

🇮🇳 कंपकंपाना

🇩🇪 zittern

🇮🇩 gemetaran

🇺🇦 тремтіння

🇵🇱 drżenie

🇯🇵 震える (ふるえる)

🇫🇷 tremblement

🇪🇸 temblor

🇹🇷 titreme

🇰🇷 떨림

🇸🇦 ارتعاش

🇨🇿 chvění

🇸🇰 chvenie

🇨🇳 颤抖 (chàndǒu)

🇸🇮 tresenje

🇮🇸 skjálfti

🇰🇿 дірілдеу

🇬🇪 კანკალი

🇦🇿 titreme

🇲🇽 temblor

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,554, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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19551 beneficially
19552 unmixed
19553 crucially
19554 shuddering
19555 goblet
19556 reused
19557 paralysed
...