quake

[ kweyk ]

verb (used without object)

, quaked, quak·ing.

1. (of persons) to shake or tremble from cold, weakness, fear, anger, or the like:

   He spoke boldly even though his legs were quaking.

   Synonyms: shudder

2. (of things) to shake or tremble, as from shock, internal convulsion, or instability:

   The earth suddenly began to quake.

   Synonyms: quiver

noun

1. an earthquake.
2. a trembling or tremulous agitation.

quake

/ kweɪk /

verb

1. to shake or tremble with or as with fear
2. to convulse or quiver, as from instability

noun

1. the act or an instance of quaking
2. informal.
   short for earthquake

Other Words From

• quaking·ly adverb
• un·quaking adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of quake¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English; Old English cwacian “to shake, tremble”

Word History and Origins

Origin of quake¹

Old English cwacian; related to Old English cweccan to shake, Old Irish bocaim, German wackeln

Synonym Study

See shiver ¹.

Example Sentences

The role is so glorious that he almost breaks character when he begins quaking in earnest.

From Salon

Treinen was hardly quaking in his cleats, despite the fine mess he had gotten himself into.

From Los Angeles Times

A spate of notable quakes have rattled Southern California in recent months — a reminder that the last three decades of relative seismic quiet won’t last forever.

From Los Angeles Times

But experts caution that the latest quakes don’t provide any additional clarity on the potential timing of such a cataclysm.

From Los Angeles Times

The quake, centered near Ontario, hit around 4 a.m. and was felt from Palmdale to San Diego.

From Los Angeles Times