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

Other Word Forms

• shuddery adjective
• shuddering adjective
• shudderingly 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

My face would scrunch up and I’d shudder from the intense flavors, but I never cried.

From Salon

There's a thrilling version of Clocks that shudders with discordant guitar riffs before resolving into a powerful chorus; and an extended acoustic version of Sparks has fans swooning.

From BBC

Mike Tapp, a home office minister appointed just last week, told Radio 4's Today Programme the emails made him "shudder".

From BBC

Home Office Minister Mike Tapp said the PM continues to have "confidence in Mandelson" and his abilities as ambassador, adding the "disturbing" emails made him "shudder".

From BBC

Cruz surged with joy, then shuddered at the thought of having to say goodbye again.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• gyrate 
• shiver 
• tremble