shudder

1 of 2

verb

shud·​der ˈshə-dər 

shuddered; shuddering ˈshə-d(ə-)riŋ 

intransitive verb

: to tremble convulsively : shiver, quiver

shudder

2 of 2

noun

: an act of shuddering

shuddery

ˈshə-d(ə-)rē 

adjective

Synonyms

Verb

• shake
• jerk
• tremble
• shiver
• quiver
• vibrate

Noun

• shiver
• tremble

Examples of shudder in a Sentence

Verb

The old car shuddered to a halt.

The house shuddered as a plane flew overhead.

Noun

a shudder ran through him as he stepped outside into the snow

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

This textural trend is known for its popularity in the 1970s, when homeowners and designers experimented with installing shag carpets on unexpected surfaces, such as ceilings and bathroom floors (shudder). —Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Aug. 2025

In 2001, however, production ceased, and the brewery shuddered. —Katie Chang, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025

Noun

For those still concerned with the club’s lack of attention to detail, Saturday night at Fenway Park probably led to some shudders. —Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 15 June 2025

At Bonniers Konsthall, with its low mechanical rhythm and amorphous forms, the sculpture breathes and shudders in a space that feels eerily alive—a shelter of desire, decay, and instability. —Nargess Banks, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English shoddren; akin to Old High German skutten to shake and perhaps to Lithuanian kutėti to shake up

First Known Use

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1607, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing shudder

• shudder to think (of)

Rhymes for shudder

• rudder
• scudder
• udder

Kids Definition

shudder

1 of 2 verb

shud·​der ˈshəd-ər 

shuddered; shuddering -(ə-)riŋ 

1

: to tremble with fear or horror or from cold

shuddered just thinking about it

2

: shake entry 1 sense 1, quiver

the train slowed and shuddered to a halt

shudder

2 of 2 noun

: an act of shuddering : shiver

shuddery

-(ə-)rē 

adjective

Medical Definition

shudder

intransitive verb

shud·​der ˈshəd-ər 

shuddered; shuddering

: to tremble convulsively : shiver

shudder noun