# shudder

/ˈʃədɝ/ (US) · /ʃˈʌdɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/shudder
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. to shake from emotion or cold

verb · CEFR B2

to shake for a moment because you feel cold, afraid, or disgusted.

For teachers: to tremble or shiver involuntarily, typically as a physiological response to fear, cold, or a strong sense of aversion.

- She shuddered at the thought of having to walk home alone in the dark.
- He shuddered involuntarily as the icy wind cut through his thin jacket, regretting his decision to leave his coat in the car.

Usage: Intransitive; often followed by 'at' when referring to the cause of the feeling.

### 2. to vibrate strongly

verb · CEFR B2

to shake or vibrate violently and unevenly, like a machine or a building.

For teachers: to vibrate or shake with sudden, jerky force; often used to describe mechanical or structural instability.

- The old bus shuddered to a halt at the red light.
- The entire building shuddered when the heavy machinery in the basement was activated for the first time.

Usage: Intransitive; frequently used with 'to a halt' or 'to a stop'.

### 3. a shaking movement

noun · CEFR B2

a sudden shaking movement of your body or a machine.

For teachers: a brief, convulsive tremor of the body or a sudden mechanical vibration.

- A cold shudder went down his spine when he heard the strange noise.
- The aircraft gave a violent shudder as it passed through the pocket of severe turbulence, alarming the passengers.

## Examples

- I shudder at the thought of eating insects.
- The old engine began to shudder as the car climbed the steep mountain road.
- She felt a cold shudder run down her spine as the basement door creaked open, revealing a darkness that seemed to swallow the light of her torch.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.