Meaning of shiver in English

1. Pronunciation

   /ˈʃɪvər/

   US accent

   How to pronounce shiver in American English, in context ▾
   Use the controls below to browse different examples of pronunciation.

   UK accent

   How to pronounce shiver in British English, in context ▾
   Use the controls below to browse different examples of pronunciation.

1. Verb

   shiver

   Etymology

   Middle English chivere, perhaps an alteration of dialect chavele ‘to chatter’, from Old Englishceafl ‘jaw’

   Definitions

   1. tremble convulsively, as from fear or excitement
2. 2. shake, as from cold

   Examples

   • « The children are shivering--turn on the heat! »

3. Noun

   shiver

   Etymology

   Middle English: from a Germanic base meaning ‘to split’; related to German Schiefer‘slate’

   Definitions

   1. reflex shaking caused by cold or fear or excitement
4. 2. an almost pleasurable sensation of fright

   Examples

   • « a frisson of surprise shot through him »