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

The structure shudders, groans, and falls in two different directions.

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She must have been alerted by all the sniffling and shuddering.

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“Ancient peas,” he said ominously to his siblings, and they all shuddered in horror.

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“The most dangerous animal in the woods might well prove to be ‘Uncle Freddy,’” she thought with a shudder.

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These revelations bring a shudder, naturally, but also complicate, or rather radically change, our interpretation of Laius’ death.

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Related Words

• gyrate 
• shiver 
• tremble