quiver

¹

[kwiv-er]

verb (used with or without object)

1. to shake with a slight but rapid motion; vibrate tremulously; tremble.

   Synonyms: shiver, shudder, quake, quake

noun

1. the act or state of quivering; a tremble or tremor.

   Synonyms: shake, shiver, shudder

quiver

²

[kwiv-er]

noun

1. a case for holding or carrying arrows.

2. the arrows in such a case.

quiver

¹

/ ˈkwɪvə /

verb

1. (intr) to shake with a rapid tremulous movement; tremble

noun

1. the state, process, or noise of shaking or trembling

quiver

²

/ ˈkwɪvə /

noun

1. a case for arrows

Other Word Forms

• quiverer noun
• quivery adjective
• unquivered adjective
• quivering adjective
• quiveringly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of quiver¹

First recorded in 1480–90; origin uncertain; compare Middle Dutch quiveren “to tremble”

Origin of quiver²

1250–1300; Middle English < Anglo-French quiveir, variant of Old French quivre; perhaps < Germanic; compare Old English cocer quiver

Word History and Origins

Origin of quiver¹

C15: from obsolete cwiver quick, nimble; compare _quaver

Origin of quiver²

C13: from Old French cuivre; related to Old English cocer, Old Saxon kokari, Old High German kohhari, Medieval Latin cucurum

Synonym Study

See shake.

Example Sentences

The smile that spreads across her face would have made Nyame’s cattle quiver in fear.

Read more on Literature

Lord Ashton’s jaw clenched in anger, which made his almost-pointed ears quiver in a frankly canine way.

Read more on Literature

“Think how marvelous it would be to live among so many fascinating ferns, growing in their native habitats,” she thought with quivering lip.

Read more on Literature

A flicker at first, like before—a faint quiver you’d miss if you blinked.

Read more on Literature

“It just shows all the little arrows in their quiver they’re using to try to push this deal.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• convulse 
• pulsate 
• shiver 
• shudder 
• throb 
• tremble