quiver

¹

[ kwiv-er ]

verb (used with or without object)

1. to shake with a slight but rapid motion; vibrate tremulously; tremble.

   Synonyms: shiver, shudder, quake

noun

1. the act or state of quivering; a tremble or tremor.

   Synonyms: shake, shiver, shudder

quiver

²

[ kwiv-er ]

noun

1. a case for holding or carrying arrows.
2. the arrows in such a case.

quiver

¹

/ ˈkwɪvə /

noun

1. a case for arrows

quiver

²

/ ˈkwɪvə /

verb

1. intr to shake with a rapid tremulous movement; tremble

noun

1. the state, process, or noise of shaking or trembling

Derived Forms

• ˈquivery, adjective
• ˈquivering, adjective
• ˈquiveringly, adverb
• ˈquiverer, noun

Other Words From

• quiv·er·er noun
• quiv·er·y adjective
• un·quiv·ered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of quiver¹

First recorded in 1480–90; origin uncertain; compare Middle Dutch quiveren “to tremble”

Origin of quiver²

1250–1300; Middle English < Anglo-French quiveir, variant of Old French quivre; perhaps < Germanic; compare Old English cocer quiver

Word History and Origins

Origin of quiver¹

C13: from Old French cuivre; related to Old English cocer, Old Saxon kokari, Old High German kohhari, Medieval Latin cucurum

Origin of quiver²

C15: from obsolete cwiver quick, nimble; compare quaver

Synonym Study

See shake.

Example Sentences

“A fundamental principle of American democracy is that when we lose an election, we accept the results,” Harris said, her voice quivering.

From Los Angeles Times

The vice president has learned a lot from her boss but brings her own well-stocked quiver of global ideas.

From Los Angeles Times

Dortmund preyed on Celtic's naivety and rendered them quivering wrecks inside half an hour.

From BBC

On a recent evening, Karuk men and boys gathered by the Klamath wearing traditional regalia and holding spears, bows and quivers made of animal skins and filled with willow branches.

From Los Angeles Times

“And it’s all brought down to this delicate pinch of the fingers with clay and small lines made by quivering energetic hands.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• convulse
• pulsate
• shiver
• shudder
• throb
• tremble