verb / noun

shiver

SHIV-er/ˈʃɪvər/

A slight shaking of the body from cold, fear, or strong emotion.

I shiver in the cold wind as I wait outside.

A middle-aged South Asian woman shivers in a cold breeze, shoulders raised and arms wrapped tightly around herself, with small trembling marks at her shoulders.

Etymology

Middle English chiveren already described trembling from cold, chills, or horror, so the bodily reaction remains central to the modern meaning. Its deeper origin is uncertain.

In context

Fact Feast13:48

the small boy was very cold his nose his ears his hands and his poor bare feet were blue he was almost too cold to shiver

Victorian Street Children (Hungry and Homeless Kids in the 19th Century)

More examples

A shiver of fear runs through me at the sudden scream.
Her beautiful singing gives me shivers.
He shivered as he stepped out of the chilly pool.

Forms

shiver · shivers · shivered · shivering

shivery adjective — Shaking slightly from cold, fear, or emotion.

Similar words

tremble: Can also describe shaking from weakness or nervousness.
shake: Broader term that can suggest stronger, less delicate movements.
quiver: Often describes small, rapid movements of lips or muscles.