First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1shiver
noun shiv·er \ˈshi-vər\
Definition of SHIVER
: one of the small pieces into which a brittle thing is broken by sudden violence
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Origin of SHIVER
Middle English; akin to Old High German scivaro splinter
2shiver
verb
shiv·eredshiv·er·ing \ˈshi-və-riŋ, ˈshiv-riŋ\
Definition of SHIVER
: to break into many small pieces : shatter
First Known Use of SHIVER
13th century
Rhymes with SHIVER
3shiver
verb
shiv·eredshiv·er·ing \ˈshi-və-riŋ, ˈshiv-riŋ\
Definition of SHIVER
intransitive verb
1
: to undergo trembling : quiver
2
: to tremble in the wind as it strikes first one and then the other side (of a sail)
transitive verb
: to cause (a sail) to shiver by steering close to the wind
Origin of SHIVER
Middle English, alteration of chiveren
First Known Use: 15th century
4shiver
noun
Definition of SHIVER
2
: an intense shivery sensation especially of fear —often used in plural with the <horror movies give him the shivers>
3
: a hard blow (as with a forearm) especially to the head or neck
First Known Use of SHIVER
1727
SHIVERS Defined for Kids
1shiver
verb shiv·er \ˈshi-vər\
shiv·eredshiv·er·ing
Definition of SHIVER for Kids
: to shake slightly (as from cold or fear)
2shiver
noun
Definition of SHIVER for Kids
: a small shaking movement of the body (as from cold or emotion) <a shiver of delight>
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