shudder

[ shuhd-er ]

verb (used without object)

1. to tremble with a sudden convulsive movement, as from horror, fear, or cold.

   Synonyms: quiver

noun

1. a convulsive movement of the body, as from horror, fear, or cold.

shudder

/ ˈʃʌdə /

verb

1. intr to shake or tremble suddenly and violently, as from horror, fear, aversion, etc

noun

1. the act of shuddering; convulsive shiver

Derived Forms

• ˈshuddery, adjective
• ˈshuddering, adjective
• ˈshudderingly, adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of shudder¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English shodderen (verb) (cognate with German schaudern, from Low German ), frequentative of Old English scūdan “to tremble”; -er ⁶

Word History and Origins

Origin of shudder¹

C18: from Middle Low German schōderen; related to Old Frisian skedda to shake, Old High German skutten to shake

Synonym Study

See shiver ¹.

Example Sentences

The kid didn’t clap or yell, but she saw a shudder of recognition across his face, a slight smile of solidarity for LGBTQ+ rights, perhaps, she said, on the road to a town’s acceptance.

From Los Angeles Times

The sense of validation she clearly feels, evidenced by the serene smile on her face, after putting her body and mind through unimaginable turmoil is a relatable sentiment many if not most women will shudder at, long after they leave the theater.

From Salon

Many Germans shudder at the party’s reintroduction, even in oblique fashion, of banned speech and symbols associated with the Nazi era.

From Los Angeles Times

Preller to do what he always does, and what so many of his colleagues shudder to do: surrender top prospects for a better chance to win this year.

From Los Angeles Times

Stream it on AMC+ and Shudder.

From New York Times

Related Words

• gyrate
• shiver
• tremble