tremble
[ trem-buhl ]
/ ˈtrɛm bəl /
Save This Word!
verb (used without object), trem·bled, trem·bling.
to shake involuntarily with quick, short movements, as from fear, excitement, weakness, or cold; quake; quiver.
to be troubled with fear or apprehension.
(of things) to be affected with vibratory motion.
to be tremulous, as light or sound: His voice trembled.
noun
QUIZ
TEST YOUR MERIT ON THESE NEW WORDS IN 2021
The Dictionary added new words and definition to our vast collection, and we want to see how well-versed you are in the formally recognized new lingo. Take the quiz!
Question 1 of 8
What does JEDI stand for?
Meet Grammar CoachImprove Your Writing
Origin of tremble
First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English trem(b)len (verb), from Old French trembler, from Vulgar Latin *tremulāre, derivative of Latin tremulustremulous
synonym study for tremble
1. See shake.
OTHER WORDS FROM tremble
trem·bling·ly, adverbun·trem·bling, adjectiveun·trem·bling·ly, adverbWords nearby tremble
trellised, trelliswork, Trematoda, trematode, trematodiasis, tremble, trembler, trembles, trembling poplar, trembly, tremendous
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
How to use tremble in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for tremble
tremble
/ (ˈtrɛmbəl) /
verb (intr)
to vibrate with short slight movements; quiver
to shake involuntarily, as with cold or fear; shiver
to experience fear or anxiety
noun
the act or an instance of trembling
Derived forms of tremble
trembling, adjectivetremblingly, adverbtrembly, adjectiveWord Origin for tremble
C14: from Old French trembler, from Medieval Latin tremulāre, from Latin tremulus quivering, from tremere to quake
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012