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tremble

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈtɹɛmbəɫ// UK //tɹˈɛmbəl// trem·ble

v. to shake slightly because you are cold, afraid, or very excited. It is a small movement that you cannot control.

v. to shake involuntarily with short, quick movements, typically as a result of anxiety, cold, or physical weakness. Often describes a physical reaction to intense emotion or environmental conditions.


SIMPLE

Her hands began to tremble as she opened the letter.

CONTEXTUAL

The small dog started to tremble when it heard the loud thunder during the storm.

COMPLEX

Even the most experienced public speakers may find their voices begin to tremble slightly when addressing an audience of thousands for the first time.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English tremblen, from Old French trembler, from Late Latin tremulāre, ultimately from Latin tremere (“quiver, shake”). Cognate with Ancient Greek τρέμω (trémō).

Usage

The verb is intransitive and does not take a direct object.

Pitfall

He was trembling his handsHis hands were tremblingTremble is an intransitive verb; you cannot 'tremble' an object like your hands.

Idioms1 entry

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