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

From the opening calisthenics of “Training Season” and “Break My Heart,” Lipa ripped through a quiver of deep-house and neo-disco staples to fuel Pride parties for the rest of her life.

From Los Angeles Times

One quivers at the thought of who the right’s war on free expression will claim next, but if Russia’s post-“Kukly” landscape is an indicator, the hit list may include good humor itself.

From Salon

Moments later, as Kershaw was reading a Bible verse about working “with all your heart,” his voice began to quiver again.

From Los Angeles Times

He looks at the sheep he’s about to ride with quivering lips.

From Los Angeles Times

I wondered if those who have committed to rebuilding will quiver, or have flashbacks, when the first nearby wildfire sends smoke wafting across Altadena.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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