Tremor: meaning, definitions and examples

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tremor

[ˈtrɛmər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

earthquake

A tremor is a slight shaking movement in the earth's surface, often caused by sudden movements of rocks below the earth's surface.

Synonyms

earthquake, seismic activity, shaking.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
tremor	This word is often used to refer to small or minor shaking, either caused by natural seismic activity or other factors. It can also describe a slight physical shaking in people, due to nervousness or illness. She felt a slight tremor in her hands as she gave the presentation There was a small tremor, but it didn't cause any damage to buildings
earthquake	This term is used when talking about a significant shaking of the ground caused by the shifting of tectonic plates. It generally refers to more intense and destructive events. The earthquake last night was the strongest in the region for decades After the earthquake, many buildings were damaged and people needed shelter
seismic activity	This phrase is used in scientific or technical contexts to refer to the general occurrence of earthquakes and other phenomena related to the movement of the Earth's crust. It is more formal and often used by geologists. The region has been experiencing increased seismic activity Studies show that seismic activity in this area has been on the rise
shaking	This term is a more general and casual way to describe the movement that can occur during an earthquake or tremor. It can also be used to describe vibrations from other sources. The shaking lasted for a few seconds, causing some items to fall off the shelves There was a strange shaking felt throughout the building

Examples of usage

The residents felt a tremor that lasted for a few seconds.
After the tremor, many buildings suffered structural damage.
She experienced a tremor while standing in line at the grocery store.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

medical

In medical terms, a tremor is an involuntary quivering movement in a part of the body.

Synonyms

quiver, shaking, trembling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
tremor	Use 'tremor' typically for medical, geological, or emotional contexts. It often denotes a small, involuntary shaking movement, particularly as a symptom of a condition like Parkinson's disease, or a minor earthquake. He felt a slight tremor in his hands. The tremor was felt throughout the city, but did not cause much damage.
shaking	Use 'shaking' for more general physical movements caused by various reasons such as cold, fear, or strong emotions. It often implies a more noticeable movement than 'tremor' or 'quiver'. He was shaking from the cold. She couldn’t stop shaking after the accident.
quiver	Apply 'quiver' when describing a slight, rapid movement that can be due to fear, cold, or excitement. It usually refers to a brief, subtle motion. Her lips began to quiver as she held back tears. The leaves quivered in the breeze.
trembling	Use 'trembling' to describe continuous, often severe shaking that can be due to fear, anxiety, or extreme cold. 'Trembling' usually conveys a stronger motion compared to 'quiver'. Her hands were trembling as she signed the document. He spoke with a trembling voice.

Examples of usage

He has a tremor in his hands, which makes it difficult for him to write.
The doctor diagnosed the patient with a tremor in her vocal cords.
The tremor in her legs made it hard for her to walk steadily.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

emotion

To tremor means to shake involuntarily, often due to fear, excitement, or nervousness.

Synonyms

quiver, shake, tremble.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
tremor	Typically used to describe slight, involuntary shakes or movements of the body, often due to illness, fear, or earthquakes. The patient experienced a mild tremor in his hands. During the earthquake, there was a significant tremor that shook the city.
shake	A general term used for a wide range of movements from small vibrations to more vigorous movements, usually caused by external factors or emotions. She had to shake the bottle to mix the contents. He started to shake with laughter at the funny joke.
quiver	Often refers to a small, quick shaking or vibration, usually associated with emotion such as fear or excitement. Her voice began to quiver as she told the sad story. He felt a quiver of excitement as he opened the letter.
tremble	Describes a slight, often continuous shaking, often as a result of fear, anxiety, or cold. The dog began to tremble in the presence of the stranger. Her hands would tremble uncontrollably whenever she was nervous.

Examples of usage

She began to tremor with fear as the dark figure approached.
His voice tremored as he tried to speak in front of the large audience.
The news caused her to tremor with excitement.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'tremere', which means 'to tremble' or 'to shake'.
It was first used in English around the mid-15th century to describe quaking or shaking.
Related terms include 'tremulous', which describes something that shakes or quivers.

Science

Tremors can be caused by seismic activity, like earthquakes, which occur when tectonic plates shift.
Not all tremors are due to earthquakes; they can also result from volcanic activity or underground explosions.
Certain medical conditions, like Parkinson's disease, can cause involuntary trembling in the body.

Pop Culture

The movie 'Tremors' (1990) features giant underground monsters causing seismic disturbances in a small town.
Tremor detection has become a focal point in many disaster films and documentaries about earthquakes.
In video games, 'tremors' are often simulated as a mechanic to enhance realism during natural disaster settings.

Psychology

Experiencing tremors can trigger fear and anxiety in individuals, especially in areas prone to earthquakes.
Research shows that even the anticipation of tremors can lead to increased stress in populations living near fault lines.
Tremors in response to fear or cold are natural physiological reactions, showcasing the mind-body connection.

Geography

Regions along tectonic plate boundaries are more susceptible to tremors and earthquakes.
The San Andreas Fault in California is a famous location notorious for frequent seismic activity.
Some countries have developed early warning systems to detect tremors and warn residents before the shaking begins.

Translations

Translations of the word "tremor" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tremor

🇮🇳 कंपन

थरथराहट
भूकंप

🇩🇪 Zittern

Erschütterung
Beben

🇮🇩 gempa

🇺🇦 тремтіння

🇵🇱 drżenie

🇯🇵 震え (ふるえ)

🇫🇷 tremblement

🇪🇸 temblor

🇹🇷 titreme

🇰🇷 떨림

🇸🇦 ارتعاش

🇨🇿 třes

🇸🇰 tras

🇨🇳 震动 (zhèndòng)

🇸🇮 tresenje

🇮🇸 skjálfti

🇰🇿 дірілдеу

🇬🇪 კანკალი

🇦🇿 titrəmə

🇲🇽 temblor

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,877, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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13874 geologist
13875 shielded
13876 renewing
13877 tremor
13878 puppy
13879 phonological
13880 elk
...