Tremors: meaning, definitions and examples

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tremors

[ˈtrɛmərz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

earthquake

Tremors are involuntary shaking movements that can be caused by a variety of factors, such as neurological conditions, anxiety, or the aftermath of an earthquake.

Synonyms

quivers, shakes, trembling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
tremors	Use when describing involuntary or uncontrollable movements, often related to medical conditions or natural phenomena like earthquakes. He experienced tremors in his hands due to Parkinson's disease. The earthquake caused significant tremors throughout the region.
shakes	Use in general contexts to describe movements caused by cold, fear, or weakness. Also used in everyday speech. He had trouble holding the cup because his hands were shaking. She was so cold that she couldn't stop shaking.
quivers	Use to describe small, rapid movements that often show nervousness, excitement, or fear. She felt a quiver in her voice as she spoke. His lip quivered when he tried to hold back tears.
trembling	Use when referring to visible, involuntary movements that arise from strong emotions like fear, anger, or extreme cold. The sight of the ghost made her start trembling. He was trembling with rage after the argument.

Examples of usage

The tremors in her hands were a result of the Parkinson's disease.
The earthquake caused tremors that could be felt miles away.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

movie

Tremors is a cult classic movie from 1990 that combines elements of horror and comedy. It follows the story of a small town under attack by giant underground worms.

Synonyms

cinema, film, movie.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
tremors	Best used to describe involuntary shaking of the body or small earthquakes. This word often has a negative connotation. He experienced tremors in his hands due to his anxiety. The town was hit by mild tremors last night.
movie	Mostly used in American English to describe a motion picture. It is more informal compared to 'film'. We're watching a movie tonight. That was the best movie I've seen this year.
film	Commonly used in British English to describe a motion picture. It can also refer to the medium used to record photographic images. Have you seen the latest film by Christopher Nolan? I need more film for my old camera.
cinema	Typically used when referring to the location where films are shown, especially in British English. It can also refer to the art or industry of making films. We are planning to go to the cinema this weekend. She is studying cinema at a prestigious university.

Examples of usage

Have you seen Tremors? It's a great mix of scares and laughs.
The movie Tremors has gained a loyal following over the years.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

medical

In the medical field, tremors refer to rhythmic, involuntary muscle movements that can occur in various conditions, such as Parkinson's disease or essential tremor.

Synonyms

quivering, shakes, trembling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
tremors	Usually used in a medical or geological context to describe involuntary movements or slight earthquakes. The doctor diagnosed the patient with hand tremors. The region experienced minor tremors after the earthquake.
shakes	Can be used informally to describe involuntary movements, often due to cold, fear, or withdrawal symptoms. It's more colloquial. He had the shakes after drinking too much coffee. She gave me the shakes with that horror story.
trembling	Commonly used to describe a more intense shaking, usually due to strong emotions such as fear or excitement. The little dog was trembling with excitement. He spoke in a trembling voice.
quivering	Describes something shaking slightly, often due to strong emotion or cold. It can be used poetically or informally. She stood there, quivering with fear. The leaf was quivering in the wind.

Examples of usage

The patient exhibited tremors in his hands due to the neurological disorder.
Essential tremor is characterized by rhythmic tremors in the hands or arms.

Interesting Facts

Science

Tremors often occur after an earthquake, as the Earth's crust continues to settle.
They can also happen in people, like when someone has a medical condition that causes shaking, such as Parkinson's disease.
In geology, tremors are measured using instruments called seismometers to study earthquakes.

History

Ancient civilizations like the Greeks and Romans wrote about tremors, which they attributed to the anger of gods.
The first scientific study of tremors began in the late 19th century, changing our understanding of earthquakes.
Famous tremors include the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, which led to significant advancements in seismic research.

Literature

Many authors use tremors as a metaphor for emotional states, reflecting internal conflict and anxiety.
Tremors feature prominently in horror literature, often signaling impending danger or supernatural events.
In poetry, tremors can symbolize both physical and emotional upheaval, creating a sense of instability.

Pop Culture

The movie 'Tremors' (1990) features giant underground creatures that create tremors when they move, blending horror and comedy.
Video games often use visual effects mimicking tremors to create tension during gameplay or to signify danger.
Music videos or performances sometimes incorporate visuals of tremors to evoke excitement or a sense of rhythm.

Psychology

In stressful situations, humans can experience tremors as a physical response to fear or anxiety, linking body and mind.
Tremors may also be associated with certain psychiatric conditions, where physical symptoms manifest due to mental stress.
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques can help reduce tremors caused by anxiety, demonstrating the mind-body connection.

Translations

Translations of the word "tremors" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tremores

🇮🇳 कंपन

🇩🇪 Zittern

🇮🇩 gemetar

🇺🇦 тремтіння

🇵🇱 drżenie

🇯🇵 震え

🇫🇷 tremblements

🇪🇸 temblores

🇹🇷 titreme

🇰🇷 떨림

🇸🇦 ارتعاش

🇨🇿 třes

🇸🇰 trasenie

🇨🇳 震颤

🇸🇮 tresenje

🇮🇸 skjálfti

🇰🇿 діріл

🇬🇪 კანკალი

🇦🇿 titrəyiş

🇲🇽 temblores

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,433, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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19430 diocesan
19431 quill
19432 phasing
19433 tremors
19434 parenthood
19435 calico
19436 meticulously
...