Word: Shuddering
Definition:
"Shuddering" is an adjective that describes a person or thing shaking or trembling, often because of fear, disgust, or cold. It is when someone shakes convulsively or violently, usually in response to something frightening or unpleasant.
Usage Instructions:
You can use "shuddering" to describe how someone is feeling or reacting. It often conveys a sense of strong emotion, like fear or discomfort.
Examples:
1. The loud thunder made her shuddering in fear.
2. He stood shuddering in the cold wind without a jacket.
3. The thought of eating the slimy food left her shuddering.
Advanced Usage:
In literature or more expressive writing, "shuddering" can be used metaphorically to describe intense emotional reactions. For example, you might say, "The news of the disaster left the community shuddering in grief."
Word Variants:
- Noun: Shudder (the act of shuddering)
- Verb: Shudder (to shake or tremble)
- Adverb: Shudderingly (in a manner that involves shuddering)
Different Meanings:
While "shuddering" primarily refers to shaking due to fear or discomfort, it can also describe a reaction to something that is emotionally moving, like shuddering at a sad story.
Synonyms:
- Trembling
- Quaking
- Shaking
- Wincing
- Shivering
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
There aren’t specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly include "shuddering," but you can express similar feelings using phrases like:
- "Get chills down your spine" (to feel fear or excitement)
- "Shake in your boots" (to be very frightened)
Summary:
"Shuddering" is a powerful word that captures the physical response of shaking due to fear or discomfort. It can also be used in more abstract ways to describe emotional reactions.