Word
shuddering
Phoneticsshud·der·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈʃədɝɪŋ/
UK/ʃˈʌdəɹɪŋ/
Definition
v. to shake in small, quick movements because you feel cold, afraid, or sick. You do it without meaning to.
v. to shake involuntarily with short, rapid movements, typically from cold, fear, or disgust. Often appears in progressive tenses to emphasize ongoing trembling.
Examples
“She is shuddering from the cold night air.”
“He stood outside the station, shuddering in his thin jacket while he waited for the late bus.”
“The dog kept shuddering under the table during the storm, its ears flat as each roll of thunder shook the windows.”
Examples
simple
“She is shuddering from the cold night air.”
contextual
“He stood outside the station, shuddering in his thin jacket while he waited for the late bus.”
complex
“The dog kept shuddering under the table during the storm, its ears flat as each roll of thunder shook the windows.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “shuddering” in context.
Verb
01. control shuddering
“He took a deep breath to control shuddering before speaking.”
verb + verb-ing
02. shuddering eases
“After a hot drink and a blanket, the shuddering slowly eases.”
noun + verb
03. shuddering with cold
“The children stood outside, shuddering with cold while waiting for the bus.”
verb-ing + prep + noun
04. shuddering with fear
“She hid under the blanket, shuddering with fear at every sound.”
verb-ing + prep + noun
05. start shuddering
“Without a coat, she soon started shuddering in the night air.”
verb + verb-ing
06. stop shuddering
“He held his hands tightly to try to stop shuddering in the cold.”
verb + verb-ing
Adjective
07. slight shuddering
“A slight shuddering passed through the dog during the thunderstorm.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. bout of shuddering
“Another bout of shuddering went through her as the fever returned.”
noun + prep + noun
09. fit of shuddering
“He was seized by a sudden fit of shuddering after the accident.”
noun + prep + noun
10. be left shuddering with fear
“The loud explosion left everyone shuddering with fear.”
11. break into violent shuddering
“Exhausted and freezing, he broke into violent shuddering.”
12. start shuddering with cold
“We had no heating, and by midnight we started shuddering with cold.”
Usage
The verb is intransitive and takes no object; often followed by 'with' or 'from' to give the cause.
Real-World Examples
“In response to vibrations, we sometimes saw the caterpillars jump; at other times, they twitched or even shuddered from the sheer physical force.” “We aged, we decrepit, we ancients of the internet, we people over 30, hear my word and shudder, for the hour of our obsolescence is at hand.” “He has a noticeable physical, shuddering reaction when behind him the soft and husky female electronic croupier tells a new punter: "Place your bets please." "She eggs you on.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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