tremble

¹trem·ble

verb \ˈtrem-bəl\

trem·bledtrem·bling\-b(ə-)liŋ\

Definition of TREMBLE

intransitive verb

1

: to shake involuntarily (as with fear or cold) : shiver

2

: to move, sound, pass, or come to pass as if shaken or tremulous <the building trembled from the blast>

3

: to be affected with great fear or anxiety <trembled for the safety of her child>

— trem·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ noun

Examples of TREMBLE

1. His arms and legs began to tremble.
2. My voice trembled as I began to speak.
3. I opened the letter with trembling hands.
4. The house trembled as the big truck drove by.

Origin of TREMBLE

Middle English, from Anglo-French trembler, from Medieval Latin tremulare, from Latin tremulus tremulous, from tremere to tremble; akin to Greek tremein to tremble

First Known Use: 14th century