noun / verb
quake
KWAYK/kweɪk/
A shaking or trembling movement.
The older woman quakes as the snarling dog lunges against the closed gate.
Etymology
Old English cwacian already described both shaking earth and people trembling with fear or cold. The modern verb preserves this connection between physical shaking and bodily reactions; its deeper origin is unknown.
In context
he grasped his terrible sword, keen of edge and flashing like lightning; woe to him who comes across it in the day of battle; all men quake for fear and keep away from it.
More examples
- A small quake rattles the dishes in the kitchen.
- She quakes with fear when she hears footsteps outside.
- Several quakes shook the region during the night.
Forms
quake · quakes · quaked · quaking
Similar words
- earthquake
- Specifically a shaking of the ground caused by seismic activity.
- tremor
- Usually a slight shaking of the ground or body.
- tremble
- Describes repeated slight shaking, often from fear or cold.