First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
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
1
: to shake involuntarily (as with fear or cold) : shiver
2
: to move, sound, pass, or come to pass as if shaken or tremulous <the building trembled from the blast>
3
: to be affected with great fear or anxiety <trembled for the safety of her child>
— trem·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ noun
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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
2tremble
noun
Definition of TREMBLE
1
: an act or instance of trembling; especially : a fit or spell of involuntary shaking or quivering
2
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
TREMBLING Defined for Kids
1tremble
verb trem·ble \ˈtrem-bəl\
trem·bledtrem·bling
Definition of TREMBLE for Kids
1
: to shake without control (as from fear or cold) : shiver
2
: 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>
3
: to have strong fear or doubt <I tremble to think of what might happen.>
2tremble
noun
Definition of TREMBLE for Kids
: the act or a period of shaking
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