trembles; trembled; trembling
1
: to shake slightly because you are afraid, nervous, excited, etc.
His arms and legs began to tremble.
My voice trembled as I began to speak.
I opened the letter with trembling hands.
—often + withShe was trembling with fear/excitement.
2
: to shake slightly because of some force
The house trembled as the big truck drove by.
3
somewhat formal
: to be afraid or nervous
I tremble to think of what could happen. = I tremble at the thought of what could happen.
Cite this Entry
“Tremble.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/tremble. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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