¹tremble

intransitive verb trem·ble \ˈtrem-bəl\

: to shake slightly because you are afraid, nervous, excited, etc.

: to shake slightly because of some force

: to be afraid or nervous

trem·bledtrem·bling \-b(ə-)liŋ\

Full Definition of TREMBLE

: to shake involuntarily (as with fear or cold) : shiver

: to move, sound, pass, or come to pass as if shaken or tremulous <the building trembled from the blast>

: to be affected with great fear or anxiety <trembled for the safety of her child>

— trem·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ noun

See tremble defined for kids

Origin of TREMBLE

Middle English, from Anglo-French trembler, from Medieval Latin tremulare, from Latin tremulus tremulous, from tremere to tremble; akin to Greek tremein to tremble

First Known Use: 14th century

²tremble

noun

Definition of TREMBLE

: an act or instance of trembling; especially : a fit or spell of involuntary shaking or quivering

plural but sing in constr : severe poisoning of livestock and especially cattle by a toxic alcohol present in a snakeroot (Eupatorium rugosum) and rayless goldenrod that is characterized especially by muscular tremors, weakness, and constipation

First Known Use of TREMBLE

1609

Related to TREMBLE

Synonyms: quiver, shudder, shiver

TREMBLE Defined for Kids

¹tremble

verb trem·ble \ˈtrem-bəl\

trem·bledtrem·bling

Definition of TREMBLE for Kids

: to shake without control (as from fear or cold) : shiver

: to move, sound, or happen as if shaken <My voice trembled.> <Just at this moment Stuart … felt the whole ship tremble … with the force of the collision. — E. B. White, Stuart Little>

: to have strong fear or doubt <I tremble to think of what might happen.>