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

She was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease eight years ago, a neurological disorder that damages brain cells, leading to symptoms like uncontrollable movements, tremors, and balance issues. —Madeline Montgomery, CBS News, 3 June 2026

In cats, the toxin can cause tremors, diarrhea, vomiting, coughing, incoordination and seizures. —Amy Deyoung, USA Today, 3 June 2026

Fresh restrictions targeting Japan in early 2026, after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks on Taiwan, sent another tremor through magnet supply chains that feed everything from F-35s to Ford F-150 Lightnings. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 26 May 2026

Fashion was hit by brand management tremors on Wednesday as two new fault lines opened up, further cracking the industry’s status quo. —Evan Clark, Footwear News, 20 May 2026

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