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 of shudder

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

Hercules would shudder at the work this young man has to do. —Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Nov. 2025

In a time where layoffs are much higher than average, the thought of throwing a holiday party or giving employee gifts may make some executives shudder. —Kristin Stoller, Fortune, 24 Nov. 2025

Noun

The notion would make most of the longstanding brands in Place Vendôme shudder but Guy-Raffin is quick to shrug off concerns. —Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 14 Nov. 2025

Just when Liverpool looked to have revived their season, momentum has stalled — with a shudder. —The Athletic's Liverpool Staff, New York Times, 11 Nov. 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