Tremble

As a Verb

1. To shake or shiver slightly, often due to fear, cold, or strong emotions.
2. To be unsteady or quiver due to weakness or nervousness.
3. (Figuratively) To be anxious or fearful about something.

As a Noun

1. A slight, involuntary shaking movement.
2. A feeling of nervousness, fear, or excitement.

As Other Form

• Trembling (Adjective/Verb – Present Participle): Shaking or quivering.
• Trembled (Verb – Past Tense): Shook or quivered.

Word History

The word tremble comes from the Latin tremulare, meaning “to shake or quiver,” which is derived from tremere (to tremble). It has been used in English since the 14th century to describe physical shaking and emotional unease.

Examples

1. She began to tremble with fear before speaking on stage. (Verb – shake due to nervousness)
2. His hands trembled as he held the letter. (Verb – quiver from emotion)
3. A slight tremble in his voice revealed his anxiety. (Noun – involuntary shaking)
4. The ground trembled during the earthquake. (Verb – shook violently)

Synonyms

Shake, shiver, quiver, shudder, vibrate

Related Words

Twitch, jitter, tremor, flutter, quake

Antonyms

Steady, still, calm, stabilize