quivering

[ kwiv-uh-ring ]

adjective

1. trembling or shaking with a slight, rapid motion, or seeming to tremble or shake:

   The sun climbed higher and movement ceased: over the whole summit, figures lay still in the quivering heat.

   Forty hertz is really fast, like the quivering light from a faulty fluorescent bulb.

noun

1. an act or instance of shaking with a slight but rapid motion:

   The quivering in the heart upsets the normal rhythm between the atria and the lower parts of the heart, the ventricles.

Other Words From

• quiv·er·ing·ly adverb
• un·quiv·er·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of quivering¹

First recorded in 1530–40; quiver ¹( def ) + -ing ²( def ) for the adjective; quiver ¹( def ) + -ing ¹( def ) for the noun

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

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

From BBC

“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

They are all handcuffed – quivering with adrenaline and shaking broken glass from their hoodies.

From BBC

“We will fight this until we get justice for Garrett,” Foster said, her voice quivering with emotion.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• shaking
• shivering
• trembling