tremor

noun

trem·​or ˈtre-mər 

1

a

: a trembling or shaking usually from physical weakness, emotional stress, or disease

b

: nervous excitement

2

: a quivering or vibratory motion

especially : a discrete small movement following or preceding a major seismic event

tremors being felt days after the earthquake

3

a

: a feeling of uncertainty or insecurity

a tremor of hesitation

b

: a cause of such a feeling

Synonyms of tremor

• quake
• earthquake

Examples of tremor in a Sentence

Small tremors were still being felt several days after the earthquake.

I heard a tremor in her voice.

His tremors were caused by the disease.

Recent Examples on the Web

Weak to light shaking was recorded, with reports from Riverside, Redlands and Upland among the cities where residents felt the tremor, according to the USGS DYFI report. —Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 17 Dec. 2025

Amaryllis is not typically fatal to cats and dogs, but can cause undesirable symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, salivation, and tremors. —Maddie Topliff, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Dec. 2025

Those tremors are already being felt; just look at the Fed’s decision to cut the base rate yesterday despite arguments that, under normal circumstances, there would be no particular reason to. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 11 Dec. 2025

Five weeks later, the man started experiencing tremors, confusion, urinary incontinence and weakness in his legs. —Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 11 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English tremour, from Anglo-French tremor, from Latin, from tremere

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for tremor

• emmer
• condemnor

Kids Definition

tremor

noun

trem·​or ˈtrem-ər 

1

: a trembling or shaking usually caused by weakness or disease

2

: a quivering or vibrating motion

especially : a small movement of the earth before or after an earthquake

Medical Definition

tremor

noun

trem·​or ˈtrem-ər 

: a trembling or shaking usually from physical weakness, emotional stress, or disease

tremors of the hands