shudder

American  

[shuhd-er] / ˈʃʌd ər /

verb (used without object)

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

   Synonyms:

   quiver

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noun

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

shudder British  

/ ˈʃʌdə /

verb

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

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noun

1. the act of shuddering; convulsive shiver

Related Words

See shiver ¹.

Other Word Forms

• shuddering adjective
• shudderingly adverb
• shuddery adjective

Etymology

Origin of shudder

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

Example Sentences

For now, the words "minor issue" are enough to send shudders through England and their followers.

From BBC

The garbage shuddered and gave way to a dingy white rat: sharp red eyes, a pink tail, back paw missing two toes.

From Literature

Despite all the times I shuddered at the trailer tagline, “Believe in the Hail Mary,” over the last year, I really do.

From Salon

The whole world shuddered and shook with every blast.

From Literature

With a graceful shudder, the buck folded its knees and sank to the ground.

From Literature

Related Words

• gyrate
• shiver
• tremble