Tremble: meaning, definitions and examples

Often implies a physical response to fear, anxiety, or cold. This term can be used in both serious and everyday situations.

• She could see him tremble with fear as the storm closed in
• His hands started to tremble when he delivered his speech

Can be used to describe both involuntary movement (due to cold, fear, or illness) and voluntary actions (like shaking hands or shaking an object). Common in everyday language.

• His hands started to shake before the big presentation
• Please shake the bottle well before using

Usually describes a quick, slight movement or series of movements, often due to strong emotion or excitement. It can also refer to the slight movement of an object, such as leaves in the wind.

• Her lips began to quiver when she received the bad news
• The leaves quivered in the breeze

Usually associated with a physical reaction to cold or fear. Often describes a sudden, uncontrollable tremor.

• She wrapped a blanket around herself, still shivering from the cold
• He shivered at the thought of the impending danger

Generally used to describe a shaking movement due to fear, weakness, or excitement. It can refer to people or objects.

• Her hands began to tremble when she received the shocking news.
• The leaves on the trees began to tremble in the breeze.

Often used to describe a slight, rapid shaking movement due to strong emotions such as fear, excitement, or anticipation. It can also refer to objects.

• He couldn't help but quiver with excitement when he saw the surprise.
• The arrow quivered in the target after it hit.

Commonly used to describe a shaking movement due to cold or fear. This term is frequently associated with cold environments or sudden chills.

• She began to shiver in the freezing temperatures.
• I couldn't stop shivering after hearing that eerie noise.

Typically used to describe a strong, involuntary shaking movement due to disgust, fear, or a sudden emotional reaction. This word often has a negative connotation.

• He shuddered at the thought of going back into the haunted house.
• The entire building shuddered during the earthquake.