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shiver

noun (1)
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shiv·​er | \ ˈshi-vər How to pronounce shiver (audio) \

Definition of shiver

 (Entry 1 of 4)

: one of the small pieces into which a brittle thing is broken by sudden violence

shiver

verb (1)
shivered; shivering\ ˈshi-​və-​riŋ How to pronounce shiver (audio) , ˈshiv-​riŋ \

Definition of shiver (Entry 2 of 4)

transitive + intransitive

: to break into many small pieces : shatter

shiver

verb (2)
shivered; shivering\ ˈshi-​və-​riŋ How to pronounce shiver (audio) , ˈshiv-​riŋ \

Definition of shiver (Entry 3 of 4)

intransitive verb

1 : to undergo trembling : quiver
2 : to tremble in the wind as it strikes first one and then the other side (of a sail)

transitive verb

: to cause (a sail) to shiver by steering close to the wind

shiver

noun (2)

Definition of shiver (Entry 4 of 4)

1 : an instance of shivering : tremble
2 : an intense shivery sensation especially of fear —often used in plural with the horror movies give him the shivers
3 : a hard blow (as with a forearm) especially to the head or neck

First Known Use of shiver

Noun (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun (2)

1727, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for shiver

Noun (1)

Middle English; akin to Old High German scivaro splinter

Verb (2)

Middle English, alteration of chiveren

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Time Traveler for shiver

Time Traveler

The first known use of shiver was in the 13th century

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Cite this Entry

“Shiver.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shiver. Accessed 5 Mar. 2021.

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More Definitions for shiver

shiver

verb
shiv·​er | \ ˈshi-vər How to pronounce shiver (audio) \
shivered; shivering

Kids Definition of shiver

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: to shake slightly (as from cold or fear)

shiver

noun

Kids Definition of shiver (Entry 2 of 2)

: a small shaking movement of the body (as from cold or emotion) a shiver of delight

shiver

intransitive verb
shiv·​er | \ ˈshiv-ər How to pronounce shiver (audio) \

Medical Definition of shiver

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: to undergo trembling : experience rapid involuntary muscular twitching especially in response to cold

shiver

noun

Medical Definition of shiver (Entry 2 of 2)

: an instance of shivering

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More from Merriam-Webster on shiver

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for shiver

Nglish: Translation of shiver for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of shiver for Arabic Speakers

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